Tips for kicking bad habits in the new year

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Believe in them or not, many people will be looking to make new year’s resolutions this year, including kicking bad habits.  

“I think the new year just provides us with a marker to look at things in our lives that are working, and things that are not working,” Psychologist and life coach Erika Giesler said. 

Giesler says if you want to create a new habit like exercising or eating healthier, you should start out with a realistic goal.  

She says drastically changing your routine abruptly isn’t always sustainable, so give yourself some room for error.  

If you’re trying to stop habits like smoking or drinking, Giesler says when you do feel cravings, do something in place of that activity.  

“If you feel like you need to have a cigarette cause you’re stressed out, or you need to vape because you’re stressed out, go for a walk, go for a run, call a friend. Do something that keeps you busy so you’re not engaging in the habit,” Giesler explained. 

Giesler adds it’s also important to think about the relationships you surround yourself with, and if the things you do are working towards the person you want to be in the new year. 

“This is how I want my life to work, and this is the person that I want to be, and every person you hang out with, every decision you make, every behavior you engage in, is that taking you towards who you want to be and how you want your life to work? Or is it pulling you in a different direction than that,” Giesler said. 

Giesler says some people also make so-called “vision boards,” which she says can be helpful in becoming the person you want to be, or the goals you have set.