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Key Takeaways

It’s often said that humans are creatures of habit.

We develop routines and repeat behaviors whether they’re healthy for us or not.

If habits are that powerful, how much influence can they have on the way we act?

person drinking from a mug

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New research suggests that too often we underestimate the role habit plays in our behavior.

Researchers conducted two studies to better understand the concept.

In a second study, researchers invited participants to track their coffee-drinking habits over a 5-day period.

They become a large part of who we are over time, Kawahara says.

“Rewiring one’s brain” may sound like serious business, but humans are highly adaptive creatures.

Whether you’re trying to start a healthy habit orbreak an unhealthy one, rewarding yourself is encouraged.

Wood W, Runger D.Psychology of habit.Annu Rev Psychol.

2022;33(4):563-578. doi:10.1177/09567976211045345