What is the best way to break a lifestyle habit?

Question

I'm looking for answers of substance. What psychological tricks can I pull to make myself go out during the weekends, rather than just staying inside, playing video games and smoking pot?

Answer 1

Um... When I have a car, I'm always out on the weekends.. When I don't have a car, I usually stay home, 'cause I don't like asking people for rides. Call your friends and tell them to go out, it's pricey going out though. My friends don't like spending money. I hate them. All they like to do is go to one persons house and drink alcohol. Luckily, I got a girlfriend to take out!

Answer 2

Here are some possible strategies (not tricks...you're not fooling yourself, you're breaking a habit that has fooled you.) Pick and choose or use them all (or none).

1. Make a list of at least 20 things that you have enjoyed in the past or that you're certain that you'd like to try. Some should be physical (hiking, bowling, etc.), some entertaining (karaoke, movies, etc.), and some simply social (dinner at a friend's house, joining a book club, etc.). Next to each item write the names of 1-3 people you'd like to join you in the activity.

2. On Monday or Tuesday, talk with 1-to-3 trusted friends to make plans to get together the coming weekend (maybe to do things on your list). Give one of them $100.00 that they will give back to you when you meet them later as planned. If you don't show up, they get to keep the cash.

3. Each Friday, take all the controllers for your video games to your work place and store them there over the weekend.

4. Sign up as a volunteer for your local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, church youth group, nursing home, etc. Very few things are better at "getting yourself out of your own head" than helping someone who needs assistance caring for themselves.

5. Give yourself a "drug holiday" (and alcohol holiday). You've been indulging for a while. Your body could probably use a week or two of cleansing. Set a date for the holiday and plan your time so the cravings will be minimal. (And by the way, if you set up all the plans for this and then fail to carry it out, it may indicate that some kind of addiction has snuck into your life. If so, beating that problem should be your priority.)

Good luck!

Answer 3

Start on Mondays or early in the week. Call a friend or a girl and ask if you guys can hang out on the weekend. Ask about a sports game (live not on the TV) or something like that. If you're old enough go clubbing and just hang out. If you feel that's too much pressure start quitting pot week after week and workout. But if you workout and smoke it can lead to heart problems faster. If you can get yourself off pot and maybe see someone (like a psychologist) even for a two or three-time session you could turn the weekends around.
Try my ideas!

Answer 4

I think you should look around and find things you enjoy. Going out on the weekend to party is not the only thing to get out of the house. You could start by taking care of your health. Maybe try joining a gym and attend on a regular basis. You will feel better about yourself and get some social interaction. You could hike, bike, walk... any activity to get away from sitting around being a bum. After that, you might try enjoying healthier food. Try new restaurants that contribute to the new you - ask friends to go out with you.

These are just a few ideas - I think that going out on the weekends to drink and party is fun - but is not the best way to get out of a rut. Look at what improves YOU and make that your activity so you have a real chance at re-inventing yourself.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

There are no tricks. You just have to do it. Once you take that first step, each time it will get easier and easier. Playing video games and smoking pot is a trap. It is a distraction from the enemy designed to keep you from being productive.

Answer 6

Do a search for Allen Carr on smoking. This is about the psychology of quitting cigarettes. But could be applied to pot if you wanted. You can download it from emule.

Answer 7

Plan something in advance. I mean, decide by Thursday what are you going to do on Saturday. I suggest your plan will include getting away from room (that has playstation) for many hours.

You need to keep doing it for at least 45 days. They say it takes 45 days to change the habit.

Answer 8

put your video games away....out of sight out of mind...also if they are extensive like mine, once you take them apart (cables, wiring and the like) you wont really want to put them back together...put the games away too or take it all to a friends for a couple of weeks...as far as the pot smoking goes the only thing i can tell you about that is just dont.....it took me FOREVER to stop by slowing down and weaning off...i just had to stop and now i can do it or dont - it doesnt matter....when you do go out find a hobby....if youre going to a club start dancing, pool, or darts see if this can get you out of a rut

Answer 9

Go out and volunteer yourself to help others or animals, such as wildlife project, walk dogs at the shelters, big brother. Whatever it is to make you feel good about your soul purpose. Once you start helping others you'll gain better prior ties for your life and happiness too.

Answer 10

I had to change my life and it was the hardest thing I ever did.You have to change everything to the people in your life,the things you do every day,sometimes even the food you eat should change.Just think healthy and get a new healthy hobby like the gym.