From Cavan to Manhattan, setting New Year Resolutions has become a cultural norm. The Babylonians started the practice 4000 years ago. Isn\u2019t it odd that we continue mimicking that tradition during our coldest season?<\/p>\n Think about it. In Winter, animals stockpile food. As humans, we often eat more in Winter too, so could it be counter-productive to make major dietary or lifestyle changes at this time of year? Trees and plants seem dormant, waiting for milder weather. Migrating creatures are soaking up sunshine abroad and locally, many have grown thicker fur as insulation.<\/p>\n We are part of the animal kingdom too. There are primal and practical reasons as to why we embrace extra food, layers of clothing and hot drinks! The question is, could you live without <\/em>those drinks?<\/p>\n Addiction is very different to indulging every now and then. You probably know in your heart if you have a problem. Bouts of self-loathing after overdoing things (again) is a good indicator. Your emotions can offer clues if you pay attention to them.<\/p>\n In a little anonymous survey compiled for this feature, males and females aged 21-80 stated that they have experienced problems with smoking either tobacco, weed or hash, alcohol, sugar, sex, eating late at night, work (including difficult volunteer work) and fast food.<\/p>\n Phones weren\u2019t mentioned, yet half the population of Ireland seems to walk around looking at a screen; are we addicted? Researchers have found that heavy smartphone use increases stress, anxiety and depression, as well as being linked to heightened attention deficit disorder (ADD). The more time we spend scrolling, the shorter our attention span and the more frazzled we become.<\/p>\n Smoking a joint is one of the most common self-soothers. As a common drug, many have cited smoking it as a great anxiety reliever. Yet what motivates people to quit? I asked the reasons why people wanted to quit the habit. Here are some of the responses:<\/p>\n \u201cI had developed too heavy a dependency.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo stop affecting my moods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI felt numb and alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor my health.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy partner doesn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo save money.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to have a baby sometime in the future and not have to go through quitting then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo lose weight and stop eating junk food after.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor the good of my mental health.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDependency interferes with my life, relationships, my health and moods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt causes insomnia.\u201d<\/p>\n Sometimes the consequences of our actions while \u2018under the influence\u2019 can be a disaster. If you have a problem with addiction, you most certainly are not alone. The good news is that you can join the millions of people around the world who get support. From the perspective of Ayurveda (the science of yoga), Spring is a good time to make changes.<\/p>\n Each person\u2019s journey is very personal, so you might want to explore a few options to find what suits you best. Anything is possible. Research psychologist Gene Heyman found that in people who had addictions (in their teens and 20s), 60% to 80% of them had no substance dependency in their 30s.<\/p>\n Below is a list of helpful resources, should you decide to address any habits that are affecting your life. It takes time to form new, healthier ways of being, so don\u2019t be hard on yourself. After all, in the words of James Joyce \u201call mistakes are portals of discovery<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n UL Counselling Phone 061-202327<\/p>\n Email:\u00a0counselling@ul.ie<\/p>\n Location: CM-073 (Next to the Student Health Centre)<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UlCounsellingService<\/a><\/p>\n Saoirse Addiction Centre, Limerick<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.saoirse.ie\/home.html<\/a><\/p>\n Alcohol:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie\/<\/a><\/p>\n Drugs:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.na-ireland.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.drugs.ie<\/a><\/p>\n Food issues:<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.overeatersanonymous.ie\/<\/a><\/p>\n Gambling:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.gamblersanonymous.ie\/<\/a><\/p>\n Mental health:<\/p>\n https:\/\/grow.ie\/<\/a><\/p>\n Relationships:<\/p>\n http:\/\/codaireland.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Smoking:<\/p>\n https:\/\/spunout.ie\/health\/category\/smoking<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.quit.ie\/Smoking-and\/Young-people\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.cancer.ie\/prevention\/X-HALE<\/a><\/p>\n www.kickbuttsday.org<\/a><\/p>\n www.tobaccofreekids.org<\/a><\/p>\n Kathryn Crowley is a yoga teacher, writer and MA student of Sociology.<\/em><\/p>\n Most of her work is offline, but you can find her news on Instagram @EmeraldislandKath,\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n www.yogakathryn.com<\/a> and https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/YogaKathryn\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/festive-drinking.jpg\")
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