An article in the NY Times got me thinking again today about what the impact on our health and health care funding would be if we just changed our habits and behaviors. Sure, I could quote many studies but for now, just think about the impact of smoking, stress, sleep apnea and also alcohol abuse as described in Jane Brody’s Personal health column High Functioning but Still Alcoholics.
I know this first hand. A number of my “successful” relatives died very young of alcoholism.
In my world, everyone has a favorite response to uncomfortable emotions. One could use food, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or even a seemingly benign activity such as exercise, jogging, cleaning house. The underlying issue is that these behaviors don’t satisfy or change the underlying emotion.
When people ask for help with habits, I ask that when they feel like _____, they stop and identify the emotion they are feeling and choose a more effective activity. If they are bored, find a hobby; lonely cultivate friendships.
Think about it
