Our habits (both good and bad) exist on a neurological loop. Our brains control out habits by following a pattern of cues, routines, and rewards.

The key to breaking or changing bad habits is understanding this loop so that you can identify and replace the routine that is feeding the bad habit.

That “routine” may be an actual activity, a negative thought process, or both.

For example, stress from a bad day might be your cue or “trigger” and eating a bowl of ice cream or pouring a large glass of wine might be your routine.

That routine involves both an action (eating or pouring) but it also includes the initial thought response to the cue.

“I had such a stressful day at work and a bowl of ice cream will make me feel better.”

“I had such a stressful day with the kids and I deserve a glass of wine, it will help me unwind.”

Your brain responds to the cue based on your routine and then that routine provides the “reward” based on your thought process.

Ice cream and wine don’t REALLY solve your problems. In fact, indulging every time you are stressed creates a new problem.

By recognizing the cue (stress) you can consciously choose a new routine (replace the current behavior with a healthy behavior) and change your habits.

Instead of wine, have a cup of tea. Instead of ice cream, choose a comforting activity like a relaxing bath, stretching/yoga, or snuggling up under a soft blanket.

Breaking bad habits and changing old behaviors can be so challenging! The first step is identifying that cue! What is a habit that you want to change? What is your cue/trigger?