Months into the pandemic, we all know by now that we should not touch our faces in order to reduce our chances of getting sick with coronavirus. Yet, the truth is that we are still touching our faces, since we are used to rubbing our eyes if we have allergies and running a hand over the nose when it itches.

Clinician, Maria Baratta stated: “We have been touching our faces our whole lives, how can we possibly expect to change any other behavior we need to change if we can’t change the simplest thing like not touching our faces during a pandemic?” Baratta also adds that she, as a therapist and behaviourist, can confirm that humans are indeed capable of changing their behaviour.

It might be a common idea that change happens fast and all at once, but actually it happens slowly and often without us noticing it. Maria Baratta mentions six tips to facilitate change in our lives:

1.) We need to be motivated to actually make the changes, e.g. by saying to ourselves, that because we do not want to get sick, we must stop touching our faces. 2.) Create accountability for ourselves by setting goals we can track. 3.) We must be willing to go back a step if needed and be kind to ourselves when we mess up: “You can always start again!” 4.) Reward even the small successes. 5.) Develop patience with ourselves: “Things take time!”. 6.) Stop thinking that all is “win versus fail” and be proud that we are even trying to change.

How about you? Do you find that it is difficult to change your behaviour?

Have you felt this in particular during the period with coronavirus?

Let us know in the comments!

Influence you world,

Toluna Team