W
hen you run into trouble in your life, it can be hard to turn it around. Fortunately, it is possible. But, only if you’re willing to do the work. Here are four things you can do to help make the change.
Seek help
It’s tough to do anything entirely on your own. Especially if things haven’t been going so well. By seeking help, you lessen the burden on yourself and make it more likely you’ll be able to make the change you want. Help can come in all kinds of forms. Doctors, therapists, friends and family, and even social services are all people that you can reach out to for help.
Learn to Accept Help
Now, it may seem like a simple thing to accept help. But, it isn’t always. Many people are socialized to not accept help. We’re supposed to be big and strong and do everything ourselves. To receive help is weak, and we’re not weak. Well, that’s actually not true at all. People accept support from other people all the time, whether they realize it or not. And what’s stronger, accepting help and moving on with your life, or not accepting it, and continuing to spiral?
Another problem with accepting help is you have to admit you have a problem which can be difficult but is an important first step.
Remove Yourself from the Situation
Humans are creatures of habit. Habits are of course little shortcuts our brain takes to save mental resources. If we’re in X situation, then we do Y. Most of the time this isn’t a problem. But, when we get stuck in bad patterns, it does become a problem. To make a change, you have to remove yourself from bad situations. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in the same habits. People often find, especially in the case of being in bad relationships, that it was the situation that was causing the problem in the first place.
Break out of the Vicious Cycle and Replace bad Habits with Healthier Ones
Nature abhors a vacuum. So you’re going to have to replace your bad habits with good ones. This will take time. So don’t try to do everything at once. Instead of getting fast food, try cooking for yourself sometimes. Instead of watching TV all night, go for a 20 min walk a few times a week, or start picking up a new hobby.
It’s also important to remember that your new habits don’t have to be the best and most perfect things ever, just positive.
