7 tricks to beat irritation and frustration when you have a habit to break

You could find that you feel short tempered, irritated and frustrated when you undertake your journey to change habits. This is particularly true for smokers as you're coping with the consequences of nicotine withdrawal.

It's also possible that you'll be less tolerant of other people's actions, feel grumpy and will be quick to get angry. This is totally normal when you change habits and is a short lived state of mind which will pass.

If you feel anger or frustration arising with people (or the photocopier!) then take a deep breath and remind yourself where these feelings are coming from. If the feelings don't disappear then stand up and opt for a walk; to the water cooler or around the block. This will let you focus on something other than the thing or person was that causing you to feel so tense.

In order to make your habit change work you can use some, or all, of these habit breaking tricks:

1. Talk it out. Find a quiet place and let go! Have a good rave and rant about why you might be so frustrated and angry. Keep going until you're sick of the sound of your voice and then continue for another minute to make sure it is all out of your system. I've found this is a great technique to get rid of frustrations when I have a habit to break.
2. Stretching. When you feel irritated take a moment and do some gentle stretches. If you find this trick is best for you then consider going to a stretching or yoga class.
3. Breathe. This is a great trick to use anywhere. Simply take a deep breathe in your nose and breathe slowly out through your mouth. Repeat this 5 times and be conscious of how you are feeling.
4. Meditation. You can use mediation to distance yourself from the thoughts which are whirling around in your head. Find a comfortable place and close your eyes. Simply let your thoughts come and go and watch them as if you're an independent observer. If you are feeling yourself going off course then simply start again as an observer.
5. Exercise. This is great for releasing pent up frustration, especially if you find an exercise that allows you to vent your frustration. Tennis, squash or a kick boxing class would be great ways to get rid of any irritation.
6. Relax. Give yourself a break and have a warm bubble bath or a massage to relax. When you are frustrated or irritated you are tensing up the muscles in your body.
7. Food. Avoid any foods that make you edgy. I know that too much sugar and caffeine can cause me to become hyper active. You need to identity any foods that may cause you to feel on edge while you change habits.

Do let those close to you know why you're feeling tense so that they understand that it is not actually them that is causing you irritation, rather it is the process of habit change that is the cause of your frustration. Although these feelings may be overwhelming, keep in mind that they are only temporary.

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Andrea Jordan is the Author of "Habit Breaking Facts: How to Change Your Bad Habits, Forever!" (now available electronically). Andrea is also a Corporate Lawyer and a Coach. If you would like to learn more of her coaching tips about making lasting changes to your bad habits and creating a healthier lifestyle then visit www.habitbreakingfacts.net for more information and a FREE chapter of her book. (C) 2010 Andrea Jordan. All rights reserved

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