One of the most divine gifts we have been given from Heavenly Father is the gift of agency. Things that inhibit our ability to choose and separate us from this gift are things that God and His prophets advise us to avoid. Addiction is a state of compulsive need to partake in substances or engage in behaviors or activities that are harmful to us. This kind of compulsive state can take many forms, from substance abuse to excessive phone use, pornography, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms. Avoiding these compulsions is crucial for promoting holistic wellness and happiness, both in and out of the workplace.
Recognizing the Loss of Agency
Recognizing the areas where you have the most compulsive, least intentional behavior is the first step toward improving them. Compulsive behavior often starts subtly, with behaviors that seem harmless at first but gradually become compulsive and interfere with daily life. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing more of the substance or activity to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to engage in the behavior.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring, often to an increasing degree, work, school, or family duties in favor of the addictive behavior.
- Loss of Control: Being unable to cut down or stop the behavior despite wanting to.
Promoting Agency
Promoting agency over unwanted compulsive behavior involves proactive steps and healthy habits. Here are some strategies to help:
- Identify Values: To know if something is inhibiting you from doing more important things, you first need to know what those most important things are. For example, if you are a parent, perhaps that means being physically and emotionally present for your children after work hours. If you find meaning in gardening, perhaps it is spending adequate time caring for your plants each week.
- Set Boundaries: Limit the time spent on potentially addictive activities, such as phone use or gaming, especially those that take you away from the things you truly value.
- Seek Healthy Alternatives: Engage in activities that promote well-being, like exercise, reading, or hobbies. If relationships are important to you, for example, seek ways to engage in these healthy alternatives with the people that matter most. Also, it's important to realize that even healthy behaviors or substances can be addictive and unhealthy in excessive amounts.
- Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with family and friends who support your goals.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay aware of your thoughts and behaviors, making it easier to avoid unhealthy patterns.
- Seek Help: If you struggle with addiction, don't hesitate to seek help from professionals, support groups, or trusted individuals. There are a few campus resources that might be able to help!
The Role of Faith
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faith plays a significant role in overcoming or avoiding unwanted compulsive behavior. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasized the importance of prevention and seeking help: "The best defense against addiction is never to start. But what of those who find themselves in the grip of addiction? Please know, first of all, that there is hope. Seek help from loved ones, Church leaders, and trained counselors".
Benefits of Avoiding Addiction
Avoiding addiction and unwanted compulsive behavior leads to numerous benefits that contribute to holistic wellness:
- Physical Health: Reducing substance abuse and unhealthy behaviors improves overall physical health and energy levels.
- Relationship Improvement: Lowering negative compulsive behavior, allows you to take back your time and put it toward make intentional moments and memories with the people and relationships you care about most.
- Mental Clarity: Avoiding addictive behaviors enhances focus, decision-making, and emotional stability.
- Financial Stability: Addictions and negative compulsive behavior can be expensive! Decreasing addiction or unwanted compulsive behavior helps you make more intentional rather than compulsive choices regarding your finances.
- Emotional Fortitude: Healthy coping mechanisms lead to better stress management and emotional resilience.
- Spiritual Growth: Staying free from unwanted compulsive behavior allows for a deeper connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, keeps you better able to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and focus on the truths and practices of eternal significance.
Avoiding unwanted compulsive behavior is essential for achieving holistic wellness and happiness. By recognizing the signs of addiction, setting boundaries, seeking healthy alternatives, and relying on faith, individuals can lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Remember, the journey to wellness is ongoing, and with determination and support, it is possible to overcome any challenge, and by pursuing a life where you are intentional about your choices, you will see greater success and fulfillment in and out of the workplace!