Temptation is always there no matter how much we practice healthy behavior. Here are some of the ways I avoid temptation.
1. Stop
It’s sounds ridiculously simple. But it’s amazing how it works. Wait a minute. See if you can wait 5 minutes. I find that as time goes by, sometimes the temptation fades. But even if it doesn’t, you can use that time for the next tip.
2. Think it through
Usually when I’m acting compulsively I don’t think about the full impact of what I’m about to do. If I can think it through I can remember how I felt the last time I did something like this. I may think of all the stomach issues I can have after eating “the whole thing”. Once I consider the repercussions, things look different.
3. Associate
I always want to eat constantly when I’m watching videos. And I watch longer when I’m eating, need to break that connection. So do other things while eating, like reading. Do other things while watching, like riding an exercise bike.
4. Environment
Keeping temping things outside of your immediate reach isn’t a cure for temptation. If the urge is strong enough, I’ll go get something I’m craving. What it does is put a time buffer in the process, and a little more natural resistance (it’s harder to do or have the tempting thing). So if I don’t keep donuts in my house, the process of leaving to get some, and the time it takes, move me away from that immediate gratification. If I can’t get it right now, do I still want it? It also fits in with #2, gives me time to consider the consequences.
5. Own it
An article on Buffer cited a study in which people who say “I don’t” avoid tempation that people who say “I can’t”. This simple substitution of words transfers the power to the individual. “I don’t eat donuts” because that’s a choice I’ve made for myself. As oppesed to “I can’t eat donuts” because of some external factor being imposed on me. I’m forcing myself to avoid something i don’t want to avoid.
https://buffer.com/resources/a-scientific-guide-to-saying-no-how-to-avoid-temptation-and-distraction
Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 208 (-66)
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Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 2.74 Miles (466.78)
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