Habits are such a vital part of our lives, influencing our daily actions and shaping not only who we are but
who we become. From brushing our teeth in the morning to going to the gym regularly, habits drive so
much of our behaviour.
Have you ever wondered how habits are formed and, more importantly, how to create healthy, lasting
habits that help you achieve your goals? In this blog, we'll explore the fascinating science behind habit
formation and provide practical tips to help you build positive habits that have stood the test of time.

At the very core of forming a habit lies the habit loop – this is a neurological pattern consisting of three stages: cue, routine, and reward. The cue acts as a trigger and signals your brain to initiate a certain
behaviour (the routine) that will ultimately lead to a reward. This cycle reinforces the habit and ultimately makes it more automatic over time.

It’s crucial to understand this loop in order to identify and modify existing habits or create new ones intentionally. By recognizing the cues and rewards associated with specific behaviours, we can reshape our routines and direct them more toward the habits we want to instil.

One of the keys to forming successful habits is to start small and be consistent. Rather than attempting drastic changes overnight, it’s important to focus on simple, manageable actions that you can repeat regularly. For example, if you want to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, start with an easy 15-minute walk every morning. As you build consistency, you can gradually increase the intensity and
duration of your workouts as you build fitness, endurance and enjoyment.

To create effective habits, ensure you are setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant and Time-bound. Clearly define what it is that you want to achieve and establish a timeline for reaching your goal. For instance, instead of saying, "I want to eat healthier," set a specific goal like, "I will include at least two servings of vegetables in my meals every day for the next four weeks." The more
specific you are, the more chance you have of achieving your goal as you will think of how you can handle obstacles before they even happen and therefore overcome them.

Habit stacking is a powerful technique that involves attaching a new habit to something you already do. Identify a current habit that you do consistently and pair it with the new behaviour you want to establish. For instance, if you're trying to incorporate gratitude into your day, link it to an existing habit like brushing your teeth. Practice gratitude every time you finish brushing your teeth.

Keeping track of your progress is essential for habit formation. Use a habit tracker app, journal, or
calendar to log your daily actions. This not only helps to keep you accountable but also provides a visual representation of your efforts, which keeps you motivated as you go along.