What is considered an unhealthy behavior? It would be anything that you do that causes more harm than good to yourself and/or people in your life. The unhealthy behavior that you express is probably addictive, you repeat it over and over again. At some point it won control and you tell yourself that you have the control to not indulge in this behavior if you choose to, but ultimately you have not done so. There is a saying that goes “anything that is done in excess is never a good thing.” To be completely happy and live a life free of regrets it is best to find balance.

Motivation can be either intrinsic or extrinsic or both. Intrinsic motivation refers to being motivated to do something based on how you feel on the inside and what you truly want to accomplish regardless of what others say and do; you are self-motivated. Being motivated extrinsically means that there are several factors and people who push you to complete the task or job at hand. Some of these extrinsic factors can include a title, money, your children, your current situation, etc. In some situations, extrinsic motivation is enough to change your behavior, but it may be temporary. Whereas if you are motivated intrinsically then it becomes much easier to change the behavior and stick with it. Until someone is ready to make a change, change will not happen.

Your unhealthy behavior may be: Smoking, overeating, working, drinking, substance addiction, caffeine addiction, etc. You may be doing something positive like I just mentioned working, but it becomes unhealthy whereby you spend most of your day working, you work on your day off, and you work overtime consistently. Working excessively will cause burnout both physically and mentally; your body needs rest and you do not enjoy the fruits of your labor, which can cause you to become bitter and unhappy. As they say, “money can’t buy love.” There are a few ways to know if you have an unhealthy behavior, here are 5:

1. You indulge in this behavior consistently
2. A great deal of time is spent in activities to ensure the behavior takes place
3. You start feeling physiological symptoms because of the behavior such as fatigue, headaches, lack of focus on important tasks, etc.
4. The behavior takes precedence over other important things in your life that should be a priority
5. You experience bouts of uncertainty and depression.

 

There is some good news that there are resources and ways in which to gain back control over your life and this unhealthy behavior. The thought process is that it has consumed your life enough and you need change and a new start. Once you become aware of this behavior then you are ready to make a change. However, sometimes we are ready for change but do not know how to go about it. This is when it is time to seek professional help such as:

1. Make a note of what the behavior is and when did it start.
2. Setting an appointment to see your primary physician
3. Make a list of goals you would like to accomplish
4. Incorporate activities into your life to lessen the unhealthy behavior
5. See a counselor to learn healthy coping skills and change your unhealthy thought patterns and schemas.

Always keep in mind that whatever is learned can be unlearned including your unhealthy behavior or addiction. There is hope and you are never alone.

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