Ben Skute
Self-destructive behavior is all around us, in fact, sometimes we get so accustomed to it that we don’t even think of it as self-destructive at all. Here are 5 examples of self-destructive behaviors to avoid.
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#1 Overeating
The next time you are in the midst of overeating, try asking yourself this one question, Is it my body that is hungry or my soul? The awareness this question provides helps people to stop trying to fill the emptiness inside with food, so they can nourish their genuinely hungry souls with lasting pleasures in life like reaching out to lonelier people, appreciating nature, and absorbing inspiring wisdom.
Contributors: Bracha Goetz from Bracha's Books
#2 Saying Yes When You Should Say No
Self destructive behavior is knowingly breaking our own boundaries, sometimes even subconsciously, anticipating negative consequences. Drinking that one too many, mumbling that last line to get into an argument; sleeping with the guy that leaves you feeling empty again, even going out to dinner when you don't have the money, are all self destructive. When we disrespect our own limits we add stress to our lives that become ticking time bombs, waiting to explode all over our finely stretched boundaries.
Contributors: Nate Masterson from Maple Holistics
#3 Workaholics and Overachievers
Often times, a person will choose work to fulfill their need to feel loved, valued and like they matter in the world. The problem is when a person is forced away from this compensation mechanism they find another which can turn into depression
Contributors: Kevin Strauss from KevinRStrauss
#4 Staying Busy
A person who can't sit still is likely trying to avoid dealing with something [emotionally] painful. If they never have time to think or feel then won't have to deal.
Contributors: Kevin Strauss from KevinRStrauss
#5 Exercise (e.g. Endurance Sports and CrossFit)
What may seem like a healthy activity can also be a clear sign of emotional pain. When a person becomes obsessed with an activity, even a healthy one it is oftentimes another way to avoid dealing with an unmet emotional need or pain. However, when taken to the extreme, the chances of developing an injury or burning out increase and then the person often falls into a deep depression. Again, the activity is used to avoid dealing with the [emotional] pain or trauma. Any behavior, in its extreme, can be detrimental.
Behaviors are endless and the true root cause is the same. When a person does not feel love, connection and belonging it hurts. When we do not feel heard, valued and like we matter we experience pain. A human will do anything to avoid pain and the behaviors we choose, which may feel good in the short term, are often destructive in the long term.
Contributors: Kevin Strauss from KevinRStrauss
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