Healthy Habits

How Behavioural Psychology & Neuroscience Contribute to Habits

Behavioural psychology and neuroscience provide valuable insights into how habits are formed and how they influence our actions. The scientific research continues to evolve. Here are a few key findings and linked research papers:

• Habit Loop and Neurological Pathways: The habit loop, consisting of cue-routine-reward, was popularized by Charles Duhigg in his book "The Power of Habit." This model explains how habits are formed and maintained. Neuroscience studies, such as those conducted by Ann Graybiel and her team at MIT, have focused on identifying the specific neurological pathways involved in habit formation and how they function in the brain.

• Dopamine and Habit Formation: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure, plays a crucial role in habit formation. Studies, such as those conducted by Wolfram Schultz and his colleagues, have shown that dopamine levels increase when a reward is anticipated or received. This reinforcement mechanism helps solidify the habit loop and strengthens the neural pathways associated with the habit.

• Habit Reversal and Behavioral Change: Researchers have explored techniques to modify or reverse unwanted habits. For example, Alan Marlatt and his team conducted studies on habit reversal training, a behavioural technique used to replace undesirable habits with more positive alternatives. These studies demonstrated the effectiveness of conscious awareness and deliberate efforts to break unwanted habits.

• Habit Formation in Everyday Life: Numerous studies have examined habit formation in various contexts, including health-related behaviours, such as exercise and diet. For example, a study published in the British Journal of General Practice explored the factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of exercise habits. These studies provide insights into the psychological and neurological mechanisms underlying the development of specific habits.

Actionable Tips

Here are NINE actionable tips to help you create and stick to the formation of habits:

1. Start with One Habit at a Time: Focus on developing one habit at a time rather than overwhelming yourself with multiple changes. By directing your energy towards a single habit, you increase your chances of success and build a solid foundation for future habit formation.

2. Set SMART Goals: Use the SMART goal framework to define your habit formation objectives. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Clearly define what habit you want to develop, establish measurable criteria to track progress, set realistic goals that are within your reach, ensure the habit is relevant to you, and assign a specific timeframe for achieving it.

3. Identify Your Cues and Triggers: Pay attention to the cues or triggers that prompt your desired habit. It could be a specific time of day, a visual reminder, or an existing routine. By identifying and recognizing these cues, you can leverage them to prompt the habit consistently.

4. Make It Easy to Start: Remove any obstacles or friction that might hinder the initial adoption of the habit. Set up your environment to make it easier for you to engage in the habit. For example, if you want to start a daily reading habit, keep a book on your bedside table or download an e-reader app on your phone.

5. Create a Routine and Stick to It: Establish a consistent routine around your desired habit. Incorporate it into your daily schedule and allocate a specific time or designated space for it. Consistency is key to forming and maintaining habits, so aim to practice the habit at the same time or in the same context every day.

6. Track Your Progress: Keep a habit tracker or journal to monitor your progress. Visualizing your consistency can be motivating and help you stay accountable. You can use apps, calendars, or simple pen-and-paper methods to mark your successful habit repetitions.

7. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your successes along the way. Reward yourself for sticking to your habit, especially in the initial stages. This can be something small and enjoyable, like treating yourself to a favourite snack or engaging in a pleasurable activity. The reward reinforces the habit loop and creates positive associations with the behaviour.

8. Stay Accountable: Share your habit formation journey with a friend, family member, or a supportive community. Having someone to hold you accountable and provide encouragement can greatly increase your chances of sticking to your habit.

9. Be Patient and Persistent: Forming habits takes time and effort. It's normal to face setbacks or slip-ups along the way. Instead of getting discouraged, view them as learning opportunities and keep going. Embrace a growth mindset and stay persistent in your pursuit of the habit.