It can be discouraging and stressful when trying to kick unhealthy and dangerous habits. The first step is recognizing the problem, and that is often the hardest part. The following tips can help you live a healthier lifestyle and stop bad habits :

Accept that Change Must OccurSimply stating that you have a dangerous habit isn't enough. You also need to make the decision to fully commit to recovery from it. That doesn't mean that you need to make magic happen and suddenly quit your nicotine habit over night. However, it does mean that if and when you falter, you're willing to pick yourself back up. Set a realistic goal for yourself. If you currently smoke a pack a day, try to cut down to half a pack by the first of the next month.

Share Your Goals
Sometimes, people make goals for themselves and keep them entirely private. For example, perhaps your family members have been begging you to stop getting behind the wheel of a car after you've had a few drinks. Now that you've decided you're really going to make a change, tell them. It will hold you more accountable. If you go to drive, then they can remind you of the promise you made to yourself.

Eliminate the Substance
If you are struggling to kick an addiction to or a habit with a particular substance, eliminate it from your life. Maybe you've really been struggling with your weight and health lately, but you just can't seem to stop eating the ice cream in the freezer. You probably have some healthier family members and friends who would appreciate free ice cream, so drop it off the next time you are at their houses.

Focus Your Attention Elsewhere
You may engage in these unhealthy habits because you have a lot of energy and nothing to put it into. For example, when you are bored in the evening, you may sit down and consume an entire bottle of wine. Instead, look for classes, teams or activities that meet at times when you tend to grow bored so that your focus is shifted elsewhere.

Embrace Your Soul
Whether you are religious, spiritual or neither, you can embrace that part of the being called the soul. Growing more connected to your inner being can help you to discover the reasons why you engage in this dangerous and unhealthy behavior . Furthermore, it can help you to realize that you are a person worthy of goodness. You can pray, meditate or practice yoga to reach this state.

Know When Professional Help is Needed
Sometimes, you are unable to tackle the issues yourself as is often the case with drug and alcohol addiction. Going to Focus Treatment Centers is one way to get extra help and recover from your addictions. When you choose one of these programs, you can work with a professional to develop a plan of action that makes the most sense for your personal struggles, needs and goals.

Trying out these tips can help you when you want to eliminate a negative habit from your life. It takes a lot of work, sacrifice, dedication and support to change your life, but it is possible.

Author's Bio: 

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about family, health, home and lifestyle. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn't writing.