by Maria Mylona

Recognizing our daily habits, whether good or bad, is essential to recognizing our feelings as well as our thoughts. When we are aware of a situation then we can clearly see how each habit affects our lives.

Admitting that we may need to modify some established habits is challenging because there should be a corresponding reward. Many times we don’t realize the negative impact it can have, until we try to change something in our daily life.

Sometimes we focus on the wrong side. For example, if someone wishes to avoid snacking between meals, they will focus on stopping eating. While in essence we need to understand the following three main axes. The trigger, the habit and the reward.

In the case of snacks, the trigger may be easy access to snacks, so availability should be limited or a specific time of day set for snacking. The reward is the release of dopamine, where it activates the reward point of the brain and satisfies the mental desire or physical craving.

Understanding these three elements is the key to successful change in entrenched habits. Choose a negative habit and record your personal habit cycle for that particular one.

Maria Mylona is a Health Psychologist and Synthetic Psychotherapist
www.mariamylona.gr