Forming Safe Habits

Have you given a thought to the importance of habits in your day-to-day life? One often hears parents or elders chiding children for forming bad habits. Parents usually expect their children to shun bad habits and acquire good ones. But should these be confined to children alone? Are not adults susceptible to bad habits?

Habit forming is inevitable. That is human nature. A child makes a lot of effort when he first learns to walk but as he grows up, he does so effortlessly. He does not have to tell himself : "lift your left foot, take it forward, put it down, now raise your right foot This is so, because it has become a habit.

Habits are very important for your well being - both at home and at your work place. Good habits acquired over the years are an asset. You realize this only when you go through an accident because of a careless act. For example, when you are driving, you are instinctively guided by the changing traffic signals to do what is right. You do it without thinking because it has become a habit. However, if you are in the habit of ignoring signals you very well know what is in store for you.

Have you watched the womenfolk at home chopping vegetables? They do it with ease and very little effort, making the entire routine appear so easy. Yet if someone tries doing it the first time, it will require a lot more patience and effort. What is the reason? It is just that they have learnt the right way of doing the job, and now it has become a habit.

• You can get into the habit of doing any job safely. The safe way can become something you do matter-of-factly - without stopping to think about it. For example, if you get into the habit of striking a match before turning on the gas burner knob, it will prevent you from doing the unsafe thing - fumbling with the match after the gas is released.
• If you are in the habit of switching off electrical appliances immediately after use, you will never leave your iron 'on' to perform some other job and forget all about it.
• Safe smoking habits will prevent you from smoking in prohibited areas or disposing of cigarette butts in waste-paper baskets, instead of ashtrays.
• Good habits help you remain safe. You will never ignore first-aid for any injury, no matter how small it might seem. You could stay away from injuries if you make it a habit of wearing protective equipment when you work - gloves, safety shoes, eye protection, etc.
• Always remember, just as there is safety in good habits there is danger in bad ones. Stay clear of bad habits and try to form good ones. Here are a few tips:

1. Start the job the right way. Learn safe job habits.
2. Practise the right habits. Every time you do the job, do it properly and safely.
3. Never let the habit slip. Always do the job the way you are supposed to do it. Never try shortcuts.

Whether good or bad, you are bound to form habits. Since it is just as easy to form good habits as it is to form bad ones, be smart and learn the good habits. Learn the right way of doing any job and continue doing it the right way. That is how good habits are formed. After all, these good habits will help make your life a lot easier and safer.