Breaking a Habit – A Chiropractor’s Advice

Breaking a Habit – A Chiropractor’s Advice

Habits shape much of our daily lives, for better or worse. From how we move and eat to how we manage stress, our routines play a pivotal role in our overall health.  “Understanding the biology of how we develop routines that may be harmful to us, and how to break those routines and embrace new ones, could help us change our lifestyles and adopt healthier behaviours.”

Breaking a habit is not easy, but with awareness and intention, it is possible. At CURAVITA Health Group, we emphasize the importance of healthy activity and exercise routines for your long-term health. Addressing a habit that may be unhealthy for you can help improve long-term health and well-being. There are no “good” or “bad” habits but a spectrum of habits that are better for you and some that could cause harm down the line. Here are some tips to help you tackle those routines that no longer serve you.

1. Identify Your Triggers

Habits are often linked to specific environments or activities. For instance, you might automatically reach for unhealthy snacks at your desk or slouch in your chair when you are focused on a task. Becoming aware of the triggers for your bad habits is the first step to breaking them. For example, if unhealthy snacks are your weakness, consider keeping nutritious options like nuts or cut veggies nearby. If sitting for hours leads to pain, strain and discomfort, set reminders to stand, stretch, and move throughout the day.

2. Create a New Plan

Once you’ve identified the habits you want to change, create a strategy to counteract them. Avoid situations that reinforce old patterns, such as bypassing the hallway with the office candy machine or choosing to participate in activities that encourage positive behaviours instead of the activities you are trying to avoid. The same principle applies to movement habits: instead of sitting through your lunch break, consider taking a short walk to energize your body and mind. And make it a habit!

3. Visualize Success

Mental preparation is a powerful tool. Research suggests that visualizing positive behaviours can help replace old habits with newer ones. If you know you’ll face temptation, mentally rehearse making the right choice. Visualizing success can boost your confidence and reinforce new, healthier habits.

4. Small Steps for Lasting Change

Breaking a habit doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, focus on small, consistent actions. Notice when it becomes difficult to keep the new habits and find out why. Also, it is important to celebrate when the new habits are making a difference. For example, reflect on all the times your body felt good after going for a walk during lunchtime instead of sitting at your desk. Build off of that positive reinforcement to continue with the implementation of the new habit. It is also important to keep moving forward and adjusting to ups and downs. 

At CURAVITA, we’re here to support your journey to better health. Whether it’s advice on movement, ergonomics, or adopting new wellness routines, our collaborative care team is ready to help you replace harmful habits with empowering ones. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. You’ve got this!

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our healthcare professionals, please visit our clinic websites at CURAVITA ByWard or CURAVITA Glebe.