5 Healthy Habits that Can Transform into Addictions

We all work to develop healthy eating and life habits. We want to be the best people we can be, so we strive to develop habits that will help us become who we want to be. However, sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Becoming obsessed with a healthy habit can lead to an unhealthy obsession or addiction. Here are 5 healthy habits that can transform into addictions.

Exercise Addiction

Exercise addiction is the compulsive need to workout. When a person exercises, the brain releases endorphins for a feeling of pleasure. A healthy exercise program will keep your heart pumping and give you strong muscles. An unhealthy and excessive one leads to feelings of anxiety and lack of self worth – classic landmarks of addictive behavior. If you miss events, work, or family time to work out, you might be addicted.

The Internet

The Internet has changed life for the better. People go online to shop, work, attend class and even socialize. Internet addiction disorder is the pathological use of computers. When going online becomes the only thing you do each day, consider yourself an addict. If you choose the internet over friends, family, school, and work, you might need to reevaluate and get help.

Do-It-Yourself

Getting satisfaction from working with your hands and saving money does create a sense of pleasure and reward. When the need to do-it-yourself reaches the point where you are unable to call for service or to hire a contractor, that is a problem. You might end up trying to rewire your house or do something beyond your skill level just to feed the addiction.

Weight Management

It is hard to see counting calories as a bad thing unless it starts to take over your life. A person addicted to managing their weight gets a feeling of euphoria when they see an eighth of a pound drop in their weight since breakfast. That type of dedication to weight management becomes an obsession that can lead to eating disorders and addictive behavior.

Time Management

Creating to-do lists will keep you on schedule during the day. There is nothing wrong with relying on a list system to stay on tract. When time management becomes the only priority, a pattern develops. The need to make lists to account for every minute of your time gives one a feeling of accomplishment that may lead to compulsion.

The human body has a natural reward system meant to help one create good habits. It is a practical approach to controlling behavior. The problem is the mind doesn’t always know the difference between healthy and excessive. A pattern of abuse leads to addiction whether the problem is drugs, alcohol or obsessive behavior.

Author Bio

This article was written by Dixie Somers. If you have found yourself addicted to weight management, exercise, or anything else, find more help at delrayrecoverycenter.com/addiction-recovery-guide/.