So, if you want to change a particularly nasty habit (and it is something that's clearly measurable, like smoking, for instance, or eating twinkies, or cutting back on caffeine), the question is not of trying to simply abstain, but understanding levels of discomfort, and the lure of personal justificatory mechanisms (i.e. the unconscious, or barely conscious running manufacturing center of speedy dopamine delivery). To wit, if you currently drink, let's say, a cup of coffee in the morning and a cop of coffee in the afternoon and want to stop, you must first understand the level of urges that your body will give you to maintain the chemical consistency it is used to. Make no mistake, you and your body are separate people. Your body will work very hard to convince you of what it wants, and what it wants, particularly around 3pm is a bit of sugar, a bit of caffeine, and a bit of a break. It does not want discomfort.
So, let's say you've held out, you've done it! Now you can reward yourself with a candy or a cup of coffee? Well, partially, you can. But only a half caffeinated coffee or green tea, or a piece of fruit. Substitution is one way to break our habits. They will not be as pleasant right away. But, like waking up early, you will gain a bit of a tolerance and it will become easier with time and practice.
No comments:
Post a Comment