Breaking Bad Habits

Psychologists define a habit as a behavior that has become automatic through repetition. Habits are formed through a loop: a cue, a routine, and a reward. For example, stress (cue) might lead someone to eat chocolate (routine) to feel relief (reward). To break a bad habit, one must identify the cue and change the routine while keeping the reward the same. ( 1 ), if stress is the cue, going for a walk might provide the same relief as eating chocolate.

Changing habits is not easy and requires time and patience. Studies suggest it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. ( 2 ), many people give up after just a few weeks. Consistency is key; repeating the new behavior every day helps rewire the brain.

Breaking Bad Habits

Psychologists define a habit as a behavior that has become automatic through repetition. Habits are formed through a loop: a cue, a routine, and a reward. For example, stress (cue) might lead someone to eat chocolate (routine) to feel relief (reward). To break a bad habit, one must identify the cue and change the routine while keeping the reward the same. ( 1 ), if stress is the cue, going for a walk might provide the same relief as eating chocolate.

Changing habits is not easy and requires time and patience. Studies suggest it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. ( 2 ), many people give up after just a few weeks. Consistency is key; repeating the new behavior every day helps rewire the brain.