


Every habit has three basic parts, according to Charles Duhigg:ġ. Turns out, there’s a pretty clear-cut formula behind almost any habit. Find the core of your bad habitįiguring out why your habit exists in the first place is much less intimidating than it sounds. Here are 6 science-backed tricks to hack your brain, and finally shake your bad habits. But here’s the good news – since our habits are crafted by our minds, the key to breaking bad habits is simply knowing the right way to communicate with our brains. That’s because you’ve done this routine so many times that it’s ingrained.Īlthough they are huge time and energy saver, habits can also negatively impact our productivity, wellbeing, or happiness. So when going through your morning routine, commuting to work, or scrolling on Instagram right before bed, you probably don’t have to think very much. Once our brain notices that we perform a specific behavior over and over, a habit forms, allowing our minds to go on autopilot so our bodies can take over. Our minds are evolutionarily designed to find short routes for everything, so we can conserve energy and focus on what’s important. Habits exist in the first place because they’re a shortcut for our brains. Once they’re ingrained in your brain, they don’t become much of a conscious choice. While it may not seem like it, habits are actually automatic behaviors, rather than well-considered decisions. So, how can we break bad habits? And what is it about habits that makes them so difficult to shake, no matter how motivated you are? It doesn’t just take 21 days (yes, that’s a myth) – ending a habit requires willpower, strategy, and a good understanding of how habits form. If you’ve ever tried to break a bad habit yourself, you know what we’re talking about. Whether it’s biting your nails, late night snacking, overspending, or constantly checking your phone, harmful habits are easy to form and much harder to shake. This article has been viewed 817,648 times.Think back to a habit you’ve tried to break. You can also see her work on YouTube:, Instagram and her website: She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida. Kelli was a host on LA Talk Radio, a relationship expert for The Examiner, and speaks globally. As an author, she received a Next Generation Indie Book Award for her book "Thriving with ADHD: A Workbook for Kids" and also wrote "Professor Kelli's Guide to Finding a Husband". Kelli also facilitates groups for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction as well as anger management groups. Kelli is currently in private practice and specializes in individual and couples' relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist, Author, and TV/radio host based in Los Angeles, California. This article was co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. This article has been viewed 817,648 times. This article received 12 testimonials and 85% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

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