Resource Six

Replacements for Unwanted Behaviors

Two of my unwanted ADHD habits are biting my nails and twirling my hair. “There is evidence that changing attitudes leads to changes in behavior” (Verplanken et al., 2022, p. 327). I have worked towards changing my attitude about these habits by replacing them with fun, enjoyable activities. For example, I used to bite my nails incessantly. I love wearing nail polish and I noticed I will not bite my nails when I have on nail polish. So in order to stop biting my nails, I replaced the habit with nail polish which I enjoy and makes me happy. Similarly, whenever I start to twirl my hair, I will instead use a fidget, specifically my NeeDoh, mentioned in my previous resource, which also brings me joy.