Let's face it. We all have habits. Some may be good while others may not be so good. So it is that, for better or for worse, habits can determine our well being. Thus if we want to be.truly healthy, it pays to examine our habits to see if they are good or bad for discerning the difference can be a matter of life or death.

HABITS: What are they?
Habits mean many things to many people, but for the sake of definition Webster's 1828 dictionary defines habit as

A disposition or condition of the mind or body acquired by custom or a frequent repetition of the same act. habit is that which is held or retained, the effect of custom or frequent repetition. Hence we speak of good habits and bad habits.

Wikopedia defines habit as 'Routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously.

Thus we can deduce that habit or habits constitute a repetition of conscious or unconscious actions that largely result from learned lifestyle patterns. These patterns can be expressed physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually.

Habits: Defining the difference
Habits that contribute positively to well being are considered good, i.e. healthy, . Conversely, habits that undermine well being are classified as bad, i.e. unhealthy. Knowing the difference between bad and good is a matter of judgment, the exercise of which requires research, education, time, and most of all personal introspection. This being said, understanding the nature and origin of habits impacts quality of life.

Habits: From where do they originate?
Habits come in many forms and often vary in origin. Common sources that shape lifestyle habits are

• parents
• school
• church
• friends
• TV, radio, internet
• observing nature
• What we have personally invented

While all of these sources can conceivably be good, in practice they may instead prove to be bad. Therefore consider the source/influence of others, especially close family and friends when following accepted/recommended habits.

Habits: Weighing the difference
Experiencing a superior quality of life requires practing good habits. Being discriminating in adopting personal approaches to life is a learning process that can be fraught with trial and error. Nevertheless, learning basic, healthy habits is a noble, worthwhile effort that pays great dividends in terms of achieving a superior quslity of life. Consider the following profile of habits..

BAD HABITS		GOOD HABITS
Drinking with a meal- compromises digestion		Drink 1/2 hour before or 1 hour after a meal
Drinking or eating hot or cold food/beverages- hinders the action of the pancreas in the digestive process		Drink/eat food and beverages at room temperature to facilitate digestion
Sitting for long periods of time- results in poor circulation; puts strain on the heart		Take walking/stretching breaks to increase circulation, oxygen flow
Snacking/grazing- hinders digestion;food is unable to digest properly; rots in stomach		Eat decent meals so that food can be digested properly
Smoking- robs the body of oxygen; causes heavy metal toxicity, damages entire body		No smoking
Drinking alcoholic beverages- kills brain cells, damages liver, cause depression, assorted health problems/cancer		No drinking alcoholic beverages
Slouching- damages the spine, crushes internal organs; cuts off circulation		Pracitce good posture to increase circulation and oxygen level
Eating before bed- food ends up undigested; rots in intestines		End eating at least 2 hours before bed to allow food to digest
Eating predominantly cooked food- contains little to no nutritiounal value		Eat only about 15% cooked, plant-based foods
Eating processed food- nutritionally poor; can contain toxic ingredients		Eat fresh, whole foods in their natural, raw state- for optimum nutrition
Sugarholic- cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream, etc. spike blood sugar levels; cause numerous health problems		Eat sweets in moderation- limit intake of desserts, candy, nutritional bars, fruit
Drinking soda pop- high sugar content, harmful additives plus phosphorous which leeches calcium from bones		No carbonated/soft drinks
Drinking tap and/or bottled water- unsafe sources: contain fluoride, chlorine and other contaminants		Drink home-distilled. purified or certified-safe spring water
Being consumed with TV and tech devices- emit harmful radiation and hinder important inter-personal relationships		Limit use of all tech devices especially before bed.
Engendering a negative attitude- sets up a negative charge in the body; can cause sickness, pain, disease; repels and/or sours/destroys personal relationships		Cultivate a positive attitude toward yourself and others- practice being kind, forgiving, helpful, loving.
Running to the doctor to cure health problems- doctors treat symptoms not the cause of health problems; drugs do not heal		Use natural remedies to solve health problems
No exercise- comprises all functions of the body		Exercise daily- stretching. rebounding, walking,
Wasting time- frittering away time, money, energy on trivial, useless, unproductive activities that are self-serving/lack purpose		Using time and resources wisely to improve quality of life
Letting animals/pets in your face or bed- run the risk of contracting fleas, ticks, parasites		Designate area/bed for animals, keep them out of your face.
Dying your hair- contain toxic substances that poison the body		Use no hair color- let it be natural
Being a workaholic- risks personal and family health		Limit work time to refresh body, mind, spirit
No time for rest/relaxation- harms personal and family health		Take time io rest/recreate invigorates, renews healthy body, mind, spirit
No time for Bible study, prayer, praising YHVH, fasting		Seeking YHVH daily through Bible study, prayer, praise, fasting

While the above comparison chart is limited in scope, it serves as a basic guide for those seeking to achieve a healthier, more satisfying quality of life. It is a proven fact that the two most important lifestyle factors revolve around diet and exercise, for they are the fundamentals of a healthy life and therefore should be given serious consideration. Science, medicine, and scripture attest that most health problems are the result of poor diet and a lack of exercise both naturally and spiritually. Sadly, most people fail to see or understand that inferior habits can be the root cause of their ills. Thus for the sake of better health, turn bad habits into good ones.

Habits: Making improvements
Improving personal habits is a learning process that ultimately leads to enjoying a healthy, prosperous life. Most people, however, never experience vibrant life because they have poor/bad habits, but often a personal crisis becomes the catalyst to bring about healthier habits. Thus life is a matter of perspective, and if our view point is not achieving the results that we want, then it is time to go in a new direction. Doing so requires

1. Acceptance- realizing that the direction which you have chosen is not having a positive/healthy impact on your life
2. Responsibility- being accountable for bad habits/actions
3. Deciding to make changes- stop old, harmful habits and adopt new habits
4. Discipline- make consistent, necessary steps toward healthier habits
5. Determination- be stedfast in eliminating bad habits in favor of establishing good ones

Improve habits by applying simple, practical steps.

1. Decide to improve your habits- choose which habit(s) need improving
2. Determine a goal- set a target for accomplishing good habits
3. Plan a strategey- map a way to achieve your goal(s)
4. Pace yourself- make a time-frame/limit for building your goal(s)
5. Keep a journal- for the sake of encouragement, document your progress
6. Enlist family/friends who will support/encourage your efforts.

Depending on one's perspective, improving habits is not difficult. Taking small steps as opposed to big ones can be and often is a good strategy, for small steps can have more impact on overall quality of life than big ones. Thus slow and steady is a good practice that yields positive results. Keep pressing toward your goal(s) despite any/all opposition, especially from those who do not understand/approve of your undertaking new, healthier habits.

Conclusion
Life is what we make it, so if your life is letting you down, examine your habits and consider improving them. Vibrant health is possible, but it is a matter of choice. Sadly most people live a less than mediocre quality of life and will only make improvements in their lifestyles unless it is a matter of life or death. Do not wait until your last breath to change your habits. Dare to improve your life before its too late. Be wise. Discriminate in how you conduct your life, Be wise in making healthier choices. Cultivate healthier habits. In a world that is increasingly sick and distressed, dare to be different! Dare to be healthy!

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.- 3 John 1:2

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Further references:
How to Change Your Habits- Markus Rothkranz

 

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