We all have our vices – sometimes we pick them up because we are stressed. Other times it may have been through peer pressure. In time we associate joy with our vices when really they are slowly eating away at our bodies and ability to feel normal.
It’s not a bad thing that we’ve developed vices because it’s just part of human nature – but having the ability to make our own decisions gives us the ability to find better, healthier alternatives.
Smoking
Smoking is slowly cutting back the years you have which also means the years spent with your loved ones. Addiction is rough because it’s physical and mentally demanding. The healthiest option would to quit but it’s an uphill battle especially to those that find smoking to be a regular thing within their social circles and daily routine.
Electronic cigarettes have become one of the better, healthier options in the last few years. It’s kind of like a nicotine patch. Instead of smoking tobacco and releasing secondhand smoke, you’re inhaling vapor which contains nicotine. You’re doing away with all the harmful chemicals contained in the tobacco. Victory Electronic Cigarettes is a reputable eCig company which you can use as a great basis for better understanding these options.
In all, if you’re not ready to quit (completely) and want to at least curb the nasty effects then electronic cigarettes is your healthier option (plus they’re definitely more inexpensive). There’s also another way to enjoy nicotine without having to smoke it and it’s through chewing tobacco pouches. Click here and try one now.
The bad type of snacking
It’s really hard to say no to that cookie or ice cream because they taste so delicious and they’re incredibly cheap. Instead of dropping all those sweets and forcing yourself into veggies, fruits, and nuts, for a snack, consider making the transition through steps.
Start by replacing one of your snacks with a healthier option, then see if you can go a full day, and finally make it part of your routine – but reward yourself from time-to-time with sweets otherwise you’ll fall right back.
Bonus: If you have children they will want to mirror your actions so your choice in healthy snacking will instill the same for the kids.
Binge spending
There really is no reason to keep up with the rat race that is fashion.
Everyone is concerned about their appearance but here’s something to remember: everyone else is just as insecure about their looks as you. Take that to heart next time you’re out and you feel pressure to go shopping because your peers recently “upgraded”.
Be yourself and choose a style that compliments your life and budget. Shop at thrift stores, make your own clothing, trade with friends – do this and you’ll curb that vice that has probably gotten you in some money (and social) troubles some time or another.
Drinking
For some, they turn to drinking when stuck at home.
It may start off with a glass of wine mid-day because “well, I’m not going anywhere and I don’t have to do anything important right now” but this mentality leads to the next glass, and the next, and the next.
The healthier alternative to the drinking vice is to find a hobby or activity you truly enjoy and become consumed by it (and its culture). Spend the time and money making something with your hands which will make you feel accomplished – you can say “hey, I made that!” when someone asks.
Who knows, you could even turn that hobby or activity into a little side business.
Over to you – what sort of vices would you want to share and what healthier alternatives did you find?