Changing Bad Habits

Habits shape the pattern of our lives, often working in the background without us even realizing it. From brushing your teeth to scrolling through your phone, habits can either drive you toward success or hold you back. But what exactly are they? Why are they so impactful, and why does it feel so challenging to break the grip of a bad one? How do I go about changing bad habits? Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Habits and Why Do They Matter?

Habits are behaviours that we perform automatically, often triggered by a specific situation or cue. They save mental energy because, once a habit is established, you no longer have to think through every action step-by-step. This mental efficiency is a survival mechanism. Imagine if you had to consciously decide how to walk or eat every single time!

But beyond convenience, habits play a powerful role in defining who you are and where you’re heading. Productive habits like regular exercise or consistent study build momentum toward your goals. However, negative habits—like procrastination or unhealthy eating—can hold you back, draining energy and confidence over time.

The good news? Changing bad habits is possible.

How Are Habits Created?

Here’s the formula for habits in its simplest form:

Cue → Routine → Reward

1. Cue: A trigger that prompts the behaviour. It could be a time of day, an emotional state, or even an environmental signal.
2. Routine: The behaviour itself, which can range from simple to complex.
3. Reward: A sense of satisfaction or relief, reinforcing the behaviour so your brain remembers it for the future.

For instance, feeling stressed (cue) might lead to grabbing a piece of chocolate (routine), which provides a quick sense of comfort (reward). Over time, this loop strengthens until it becomes second nature.

Where Are Habits Stored in the Brain?

The basal ganglia, a cluster of structures in the brain, is the key player in habit formation. This area is essential for processing routine behaviours and automatic actions. While new actions involve the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and focus), once a habit forms, the basal ganglia takes over. It’s efficient, yes, but it’s also what makes habits stubbornly stick.

When you’re trying to change a habit, you’re essentially working to overwrite patterns deeply ingrained in the basal ganglia. It’s no wonder it feels like an uphill battle at times!

How Can You Change a Habit?

1. Fast, Working with Unconscious Prompts

• Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for changing habits, and many people report noticeable improvements after just a few sessions.
• Addressing the root causes of the habit is crucial. Hypnotherapy can be particularly effective in uncovering and resolving underlying issues contributing to the behaviour.
• Hypnotherapy works by guiding individuals into a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus, often referred to as a trance-like state. This state allows the therapist to communicate directly with the unconscious mind, which is responsible for automatic behaviours and deeply ingrained habits.
• The therapist helps the client relax and enter a trance-like state. This is similar to daydreaming.
• In this state, the conscious mind, which often overanalyses and blocks information, steps aside, allowing the therapist to access the unconscious mind.
• Positive suggestions are made to the unconscious mind, which is more receptive to these suggestions in a relaxed state. These suggestions aim to replace old habits with new, healthier ones
• The client gradually emerges from the trance state, and the new suggestions are integrated into their conscious mind, leading to lasting change.
• It’s important to note that hypnotherapy is not about mind control or making someone do something against their will. It’s a collaborative process that requires the client’s willingness and active participation.
• If you’re considering hypnotherapy for habit change, it’s a good idea to consult with a certified hypnotherapist to discuss your goals and develop a tailored approach. Tracey Janke is a certified hypnotherapist renowned for her experience and consistently positive client outcomes.

2. Slower Traditional Method

• Identify the Trigger (Cue)
  Understand what sparks your habit. Is it a specific time? A feeling like boredom? By spotting the cue, you gain valuable insight into what drives the behaviour.
• Replace, Don’t Erase
  Habits are stubborn because they fulfil a need. Instead of simply banning the habit, replace it. For example, if stress leads to snacking, you might swap the snack for a quick walk or deep breathing exercises.
• Use Small, Consistent Steps
  Your brain loves routine, so introducing big changes immediately is bound to backfire. Focus on one small habit at a time—whether it’s drinking more water or setting aside five minutes to journal—and build from there.
• Leverage Positive Reinforcement
  Celebrate every small win along the way. Rewards help solidify new habits by teaching your brain that this behaviour feels good. Little nudges of positivity—like tracking your progress or treating yourself—go a long way.
• Anticipate Slip-Ups
  No transformation is perfect. When you stumble, don’t give up. View mistakes as learning experiences and refocus on your goal.
• Why Are Habits Hard to Change?
  Here’s the reality: Your brain loves efficiency. Once a habit is wired into those neural pathways in the basal ganglia, it takes effort and consistency to overwrite them. It’s like carving a new path beside a well-trodden trail; the old path will always feel quicker, easier, and more familiar.

  On top of that, your brain craves the rewards that come with habits, even when they aren’t good for you. Think of that dopamine hit you get from a social media scroll or a sugary snack—it’s a chemical encouragement to repeat the behaviour.

  The key is persistence. By staying consistent and reinforcing new routines, you’re effectively retraining your brain. Over time, the new pathway strengthens, and the old one fades.

Final Thoughts for Changing Bad Habits

Habits are the building blocks of your daily life, shaping everything from your productivity to your happiness. Understanding how they form and how to reshape them is one of the most empowering tools you can have. While old habits might feel stubborn, never underestimate your ability to change. After all, each small choice you make today is a vote for the person you want to become tomorrow.

Now, what habit will you choose to rewrite today?

Experience the rapid, transformative change with hypnotherapy. Tracey Janke, a distinguished and certified hypnotherapist, has a proven track record of facilitating remarkable breakthroughs for her clients. Each session is meticulously tailored to your unique needs, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Take the first step towards a new you—click the button below or call 0734581725 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute session and discover how Tracey can help you overcome unwanted habits and achieve your goals.