A habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. It can be described as a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance. Habits are actions that arise from some kind of internal or external trigger and are the things you do in particular contexts. Habits can be good or bad, and they can be difficult to break.
According to Charles Duhigg, every habit starts with a psychological pattern called a "habit loop," which is a three-part process. First, theres a cue, or trigger, that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and let a behavior unfold. "Then theres the routine, which is the behavior itself," Duhigg explains. "Thats what we think about when we think about habits." Finally, theres a reward, which helps your brain figure out if this particular loop is worth remembering for the future.
Examples of habits include brushing your teeth, exercising, and smoking. Habits can be formed through regular repetition, and they can become automatic or habitual. Its important to recognize your habits and understand how they form in order to break bad habits and form good ones.
