Advantages of pernicious habits
All of us consist of many habits. Sometimes we even fail to notice them, sometimes they disturb us, making us think how to get rid of them, but sometimes they are very helpful in different situations, especially when these situations are difficult.
Our habits are fixed behavioural patterns, automatic methods of conduct in appropriate situations. Sometimes they help us not to think much how to behave in this or that situation and thus reduce overstrain of our mental activity. But for our habits we would treat each situation as a unique one and should invent a new way of conduct every time.
These speculations about habits in general also refer to those habits, which are regarded by the majority of people as pernicious ones. These habits though they are sometimes unhealthy, can help us to relieve the stress and divert our attention from difficulties. These habits come very opportunely when we go through difficult moments of our lives. They are a sort of protection for the state of our mind and are indispensable, when nothing else can help us. On the other hand, being profitable psychologically, these habits can be harmful for our health. Here it is appropriate to think about priorities. What do you need more, calm for a short period of time (near-term outlook) or good health (long-term outlook)? If the long-term outlook is more important for you, then it can become an additional incentive for you to get rid of your habits. If you don't bother yourself with thoughts about tour future, you are likely to pay no attention to probable consequences of your habits in future.
Even in case you think that your health is most important for you, you'd better not to start to get rid of your pernicious habits when you are in trouble, during your exams, when you have family problems, etc. This will be a double load for you. You should think how much this fight with your habits will cost. You should determine whether this cost is reasonable. Besides, don't try to get rid of several of your habits at once. It can be an impossible task for your psychical abilities.
Sometimes, it turns out that you think that you have already overcome a habit, but suddenly you find out that you return to it in difficult moments of your life. Don't be distressed by this fact. When this difficult period of your life is over, start once again and don't reproach yourself with lack of strong will.