say what?

    Recent research from the University of Alberta shows that people clearly know the dangers of unhealthy habits, such as smoking or overeating. One reason why people have trouble quitting these behaviors is that they’ve become socially acceptable. Stop using your bad habits as a way to fit in or belong.

    Identify The Problem

    It’s trite but true. You can’t address an unhealthy habit until you admit you’ve got one in the first place–and that it’s having an impact on your body. Do you grab a candy or chocolate every time you pass a coworker’s desk or fritter away your gym time reading blogs? Take a moment to honestly evaluate the patterns in your life.

    Don’t Rationalize

    No one likes to be told what to do. As a result, we may try to rationalize unhealthy habits. For instance, you’ve heard a million times that smoking is bad for you, but you keep picking up the "death sticks" anyway because they help control your weight. If you want to get healthy, you’ve got to avoid this kind of defiant mentality.

    Be Specific

    Rather than just saying you want to eat better, get more specific. If you want to break an unhealthy habit, you’ve got to lay out exactly what it is you want to change. Try aiming to reduce how much red meat and fried food you eat and upping your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

    Be Modest

    If your goals are too lofty, you’re doomed to fail at breaking an unhealthy habit. It’s much smarter to choose modest goals you know you can achieve, and then continue building on your success. Instead of saying you’re going to get up off the couch and exercise every day, start by aiming to hit the gym once or twice a week.

    Get Help

    Spouses, friends, co-workers and even pets can be great resources in helping you tackle an unhealthy habit. Buddying up can provide you with a cheerleader and will make you accountable to that person. If you’re looking to get more active, a pet waiting to be walked when you get home, for instance, can make sure you follow through.
    Check In

    Once you’ve started tackling an unhealthy habit, make sure you check in on your progress every now and then. If, after a few months, you find that you still have to spend a lot of time and energy working toward your goal, consider easing up and setting a more modest one.

    Look For Flexibility At Work

    If you want to keep up your healthy habits, consider looking for a job that offers workplace flexibility, including non-traditional hours and telecommuting options. New research from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows that people who have flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles.Credit from Allison Van Dusen.