Integritus Prime

Lifestyle Devils are harmful habits that lead to Lifestyle Demons, which are conditions that harm certain organs in the body and cause diseases. Earlier, we discussed some lifestyle demons, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, cancers and others.

Lifestyle Devils cause harm to the nerves, blood vessels, heart, liver, pancreas, and other parts of the body.

So what are some of the Lifestyle Devils that lead us towards ill health, suffering and early death? Here’s a list:

• Eating junk foods;
• Taking too much salt;
• Eating too much sugar;
• Drinking too much alcohol;
• Being addicted to recreational drugs;
• Smoking tobacco;
• Being sedentary;
• Not taking adequate rest; and
• Not managing stress.

These lead to overweight and obesity, which are also related to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and kidney diseases.

How do these devilish habits form? We grow up in an environment where we learn the ‘norms’ from observing the usual practices around us. Habits form due to performing a repetitive action and sometimes due to a reward. The benefits of good habits such as, putting a seat belt on as soon as you sit in the car, are that they save lives, save time and keeps us within the law in this instance.

Harmful habits like smoking or doing drugs could be formed by peer pressure, wanting to fit into the social circles, or wanting to look ‘cool’. Some habits can be learned subconsciously due to repetition.

Habits are associated with childhood memories, such as being rewarded with sweets or ice cream for passing an exam. Other habits may be associated with peer pressure especially smoking tobacco or taking drugs. Sometimes habits could form due to low self-esteem, depression, grieving or past traumatic experiences.

Since habits are learned behaviors, they can be broken or changed – this is a very important fact. Changing a habit maybe difficult but it is definitely possible.

It is important that we review our lifestyle habits and consciously change them for the better, not only for ourselves but also for our families, loved ones, the environment and the planet.

First of all, we have to believe that we need to change a habit. Maybe write down all the reasons why this change of habit is necessary. For example, you need to cut down your salt intake, otherwise you have to take medication for high blood pressure (which can lead to heart attacks or stroke). Then substitute a changed habit, for example, instead of adding salt to your food, you will substitute lemon juice and/or pepper. Focusing on one habit at a time and changing it gives you a better chance of success.

Sometimes, changing a habit may need you to change your environment or support group. You need to decide whether your health and well-being is important or the company/environment. Having a supportive person or environment helps in changing behavior for the better. Sometimes, a professional coach can help you overcome your habits if they are related to trauma. For drug addiction, people may need professional help and/or rehabilitation.

In our ongoing Beyond Medicine series we discuss each lifestyle devil in more detail.