Bad Habits Return

Whenever we experience stressful times, we typically fall prey to previous habits that are longer (or were never) good for us. For instance, when stressed, our eating habits often leave us and we return to former habits that are ingrained in our subconscious minds. It’s our brain’s natural attempt to conserve energy by finding as many low-energy defaults as possible that require less thinking, will power or decision making. So our bad habits return when we are stressed.

My Bad Habit

I remember when we always had sweet rolls in the breakroom during the heavy seasons. In fact, I used to contribute to making sure there was plenty for everyone else. But they weren’t for me. You see, at an earlier time, I came to the realization that I and they could no longer be an item. So we separated.

All went well initially. I would walk right past the plate of cinnamon buns to the coffeepot, smugly thinking I’m so over them. The first few weeks I thought I had successfully removed them from my world.

Then about the fourth week, I noticed that they were catching my eye, so I would stare a bit longer at them. In only a matter of days, they began to look remarkably “interesting.” Soon it was all I could do to walk past that plate, oozing with sweet creamy icing. That’s when I felt myself begin to weaken.

My Downfall

I found myself paying attention to which kind of sweet roll was on the plate that day. I began counting how many were there and which one I would select IF I were to choose. It became harder to move past the waft of sweetness in the air, to the point I could almost taste it. On my way back to my desk, I would recall some special moments in my past when I especially enjoyed a sweet roll—at my grandmother’s house, at the county fair and at the airport. Oh my.

And then it happened. In a moment of high stress and mental weakness, I decided to take just a taste of one of the delectables. It was amazing—moist, doughy and topped with that wonderful butter cream icing. The cinnamon lingered in my mouth and perfectly blended with my next sip of hot coffee to produce a euphoric moment that I will add to my memory. In only moments, I found myself walking back to my office with the largest sweet roll solidly in my grasp. I had one thought: “Curse you, sweet roll!”

Your Bad Habits

You know how the rest of this story plays out because you know it. And when your cognitive load becomes overtaxed, you are just as susceptible to your former bad habits. Your “sweet roll” may take many forms to the extreme, like procrastination, not exercising, spending, video games; even behaviors like a short temper, poor listening, disrespect—anything that requires little conscious attention.

So, during the next few months, get yourself together. You haven’t failed; you just lost sight of your better self. Whenever your bad habits return from stress, simply acknowledge them and reclaim your fulfilling professional life.