Things You'll Need:
- Notebook
-
Step 1
Observe your behaviors and look for areas where you or someone you know spends inordinate amounts of time on a particular activity, neglecting or avoiding other pursuits. This may, of course, entail negative and debilitating addictions, like substance abuse or compulsive gambling, but it can take many forms.
-
Step 2
Record your first thought in the morning. If your thoughts are immediately centered on a particular activity every day upon awakening, you might be addicted. If your first thought in the morning is getting back on the Internet to play that multi-player game you are so into, it could be a tip off that you just may be addicted.
-
Step 3
Know that avoiding activities or arranging activities around your new "hobby" should give you an inkling that this new hobby is taking up a little more space in your life than it should. There is nothing wrong with making time for a hobby you enjoy, and there is certainly nothing wrong with spending time on activities your find relaxing and stimulating, but if you are neglecting other important areas of your life, its time to step back and assess your behavior.
-
Step 4
Evaluate the effects of your behaviors. Does the activity promote a healthy lifestyle that encourages growth? If so, then you are probably on the right track. Does the new activity shut out important people and loved ones from your life? Does it interfere with normal healthy relationships? They you might need to rethink your behaviors and curtail the amount of time you are spending on your new interest.
-
Step 5
Limit the amount of time you spend on this new interest. Try setting specific times when you are free to pursue your hobbies without interfering with other commitments. What the activity is doesn't matter, as long as it is not harmful or illegal, it is the amount of time you spend on it that causes the problem.
-
Step 6
Avoid making excuses to get out of your regular responsibilities so that you can pursue your new found interest. If you have to lie about it, then you already know that it is causing a problem. This a red flag that your interest may be headed towards addiction.
-
Step 7
Relax and enjoy life by balancing your interests. If you notice you are going a little overboard by spending inordinate amounts of time in one area while ignoring others, step back and take good look at how you choose to spend your time. You can arrange times for your hobby or interest without letting it take over your life, even if you do tend to have an addictive personality. It is not set in stone and you don't have to follow your natural tendency to become totally wrapped up in your new pursuit.
-
Step 8
Be aware of your tendency towards addictive behaviors, even if they are not destructive behaviors they may rob you of valuable time you could and should be spending with those you love. Being aware of your tendencies will go a long way towards leading a balanced healthy lifestyle.
