Breaking Bad Habits

Bad habits may be hard to change, but it can be done. Smoking, for example, can be stopped. So can alcohol abuse.

If you could only … but why don’t you? Scientists at the NIH study what happens in your brain as habits form. They come about through repetition. Brushing your teeth in the morning is a good habit. Reaching for a cigarette-bad habit.

Habits trigger pleasure centers in your brain. First, focus on becoming more aware of your bad habits. Then try these strategies to counteract them:

*  Avoid tempting situations. If you don’t buy candy bars, it won’t be as easy to eat one.

*  Prepare mentally. Think about how you want to handle it and mentally practice what you plan.

*  Enlist support. Ask friends, family, and coworkers to support your efforts to change.

*  Replace unhealthy bad habits with healthy ones. Exercise or try a new hobby.

*  Reward yourself for small steps.