I've had recent success stopping the picking habit by recognizing why I'm picking. I realized, like you, that I scratch or pick at my skin when I'm in an "uncomfortable moment" -- anxious, indecisive, stressed, etc.
Now, instead of picking, I give myself permission to do *whatever* I want. If I find myself scratching at my skin while I'm working on something, I get up and take a break. Sometimes I clean (which I find relaxing). Sometimes I read a magazine or do one of my hobbies (music, drawing, etc.).
I think my picking derives from feeling like I always have to be "in line," on good behavior, plugging away at my to-do list. But what's life if that's all I'm doing?! Now I understand that I can take breaks, go at my own pace, even entertain diversions without falling behind, and that doing so doesn't mean I'm goofing off. I'm just living.
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I've had recent success stopping the picking habit by recognizing why I'm picking. I realized, like you, that I scratch or pick at my skin when I'm in an "uncomfortable moment" -- anxious, indecisive, stressed, etc.
Now, instead of picking, I give myself permission to do *whatever* I want. If I find myself scratching at my skin while I'm working on something, I get up and take a break. Sometimes I clean (which I find relaxing). Sometimes I read a magazine or do one of my hobbies (music, drawing, etc.).
I think my picking derives from feeling like I always have to be "in line," on good behavior, plugging away at my to-do list. But what's life if that's all I'm doing?! Now I understand that I can take breaks, go at my own pace, even entertain diversions without falling behind, and that doing so doesn't mean I'm goofing off. I'm just living.
October 27, 2008 - 7:29pmThis Comment
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