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Health, Fitness, Exercise, Weight Loss
Why making a change troubles us
What makes us do it? Why do so many of us through dedicated exercise and hard work get rid of all those excess kilos over months - even years - only to go and change our ways once again and put it all back on again?
To state it simply, why do we do things that are bad for us?
Often people with busy and stressful work routines justify their lifestyle by rewarding themselves with fatty junk food. This can lead directly to some form of life threatening health scare - possibly a heart attack - as a pre-warning to more serious issues that can follow if this path is continued. Many people who experience, or are exposed to someone who experiences such an incident initially take on a healthier lifestyle.
But surprising enough, many go back to their old ways after only a short period. So why do they do it? It appears the answer lies in the fact that humans are basically just like all other animals. They are genetically programmed to seek immediate gratification - often with little concern for the eventual outcome. This desire for immediate pleasure eventually (and in some cases regularly) overcomes the fear factor.
Do the right thing
All too often something more important (in our own personal opinion) comes up that can override the best planned changes for the better, even when plans have initially been put in place to participate in a healthy activity such as a visit to the gym for a workout. In some cases these negative behaviors are reinforced by the belief that the associated positive behavior is too much trouble.
Studies into why people, who obviously know better but still have unprotected sex, have revealed that typically humans will indulge in stupid but gratifying activities as we are basically powerless when a craving is brought on by a "hot" state. This readily relates to lust, hunger, pain or a nicotine urge. After the event, many in their state of satisfaction find it hard to believe - or even imagine - that they ever had unsafe sex or took drugs!
On the exercise scene, a typical reason for some people not to exercise is their lack of concern for their health in later years. If something small or difficult to perceive is promised for the longer term which involves unpleasant or difficult activities in the shorter term, humans have an inherited natural tendency to try and avoid it.
Permanent change
Although many different strategies have been tried and tested in an attempt to overcome bad behaviors, unfortunately most have had a very poor success rate. New and different programs are continually being developed and tried.
"Complete denial" was at one stage considered to be the only way to overcome unhealthy activities such as alcoholism, overeating, gambling and other forms of addictions. Due to the high failure rate of this form of approach, a method of harm reduction is now being implemented where it is acceptable not to have 100 percent isolation from the problem activity.
Typically, to say that you will "never" do something again could generate an extremely compelling overreaction in the event of breaking a committed resolution, even if only once. People tend to think "I blew it. I can't do it. I give up" and therefore revert back to their old ways.
Harm reduction is considered to help to prevent this powerful reaction from being triggered. This allows minor setbacks to be more representatively put in the perspective of what they really are. This in turn gives a more positive outlook of hopefully achieving the ultimate goal - overcoming the addiction or bad habit.
Step by step
Another approach commonly used in later forms of therapy is based on the process of a series of specific stages which (hopefully) when eventually completed result in the introduction of permanent change. Stage one is known as pre-contemplation. This does not involve the process of thinking about change. Stage two, contemplation, involves becoming aware that a problem exists and considering change as a fix. Stage three, preparation, is where you get ready for and are committed to changing what is now understood as a problematic (unhealthy) behavior. Stage four is the action part. This is where the required changes to address the problem actually take place.
One of the most important activities in this progressive strategy is stage five: the maintenance phase. This is where the new behavior is ultimately integrated into daily life. Relapse is seen as a normal part of this progression and is used as a learning experience and thus integrated into the overall change process. Typically these processes could take a few months to complete, or even a few years.
Staying "cool" is yet another process that can be used by therapists in reaction to the "hot state" phenomenon. If overeating is a problem, frequent small meals can be prescribed consisting of a well balanced diet - even treats are permitted. This approach is more likely to avoid participants going on an eating binge.
Environmentally aware
To help drinkers avoid being exposed to their normal (unhealthy) environment they are encouraged to pass on the party invitations now and then when they are feeling susceptible. Sometimes the therapist will help them to become "hot" by purposely inducing a mood or craving - and then work with them through the "hot" state with guidance on how to resist, or deal with, the situation appropriately.
Distraction is another means of avoidance. It can work in some situations. As an example, if you pig-out in front of the TV of an evening, try getting out of the house and involved in activities that do not involve eating. This method can be taken one step further by avoiding certain places, activities or possibly people that trigger unhealthy behavior. Team activities or efforts can also be an extremely powerful support tool in making change.
It is important to remember that, as with any change that we initiate in life, there is an allowance for a period of learning. Relapse is - and will be - part of the process. Therefore this naturally human trait should not be mistaken as failure. It is important to react to these types of experiences by trying to understand what caused them and then in response, try to avoid the situation in the future that bought on the relapse. All experiences in life - be they good or bad - have a learning element. It is better to apply this in a positive and useful way.
So why not make a change in your lifestyle for the good, or, if you see a friend in need of support, help them to achieve their positive, healthy goals. (Sharon Christine Riley, Bkk Post)
