Mindful Escapism
The power in finding a valuable substitute for bad habits
It is not only natural but healthy to seek out an escape from everyday life — Forms of Escapism provide a little breathing space to relax, get out of your own head & pursue a mindful experience.
Getting absorbed in a binge-worthy series, taking time to cook a long meal with a loved one, reading, writing, along with an almost endless amount of experiences and habits can lead you away from the confines of the mind.
What you consume, along with the duration and scale of your chosen indulgence, are pivotal factors in determining whether your forms of escape are actually benefiting you, or simply delaying stress and unease. Catching a drink at a bar after work can be a therapeutic experience — It all depends on the frequency & depth of the indulgence.
Some of these behaviors may uncover themselves abruptly as detrimental, and others you may have to battle with your desires and impulses to expose.
Equal & Opposite
From experience, I have found that the most efficient and painless way to rid yourself of a bad habit is to find a healthy alternative; a Valuable Substitute.
The somewhat temperamental part you need to play is finding an adequate substitute, which satisfies the impulses attached to the unhealthy habit, yet will leave you re-energised and satisfied, rather than drained and lethargic.
Moderation, as always
It actually does not go without saying, but moderating healthy activities is important, too. You have a tolerance to all habits, good or bad, and the more you gratify these tendencies and desires, healthy or not so, the value you once found in them can retreat.
A variety of mindful pass-times allows you to take a step back when and where you need to, without being too dependent on a single escape route.
Finding your happy-medium
With the way things generally seem to swing, it is the more rewarding accomplishments that are those requiring more persistence, as the term ‘easy come, easy go’ implies.
Replacing long-term bad habits are the trickiest, but a willingness to try, along with a desire to better yourself, can lead you to unknown pleasures that leave you feeling fulfilled and revitalised.
Throwing out bad habits is tough, but finding a replacement that satisfies your drive or tendencies, creative or not, is an empowering change to gift yourself with.
