The Science of Health by Habit: How to Train Your Brain for Better Wellness

The Science of Health by Habit: How to Train Your Brain for Better Wellness

Achieving good health is not just about diet and exercise, it is also about developing healthy habits. Habits are automatic responses that our minds and bodies perform to make our daily lives easier. When we form healthy habits, we train our brains to make healthy choices without even thinking about it. In this article, we will discuss the science of health by habit and how to train your brain for better wellness.

The Habits Loop

The habits loop is a concept that describes the three stages of habit formation. The first stage is the Cue, which is the trigger that tells our brain to perform the habit. The second stage is the Routine, which is the habit itself. And the third stage is the Reward, which is the positive outcome that reinforces the habit.

For example, let’s say you want to develop the habit of drinking water every morning. The cue could be waking up and feeling thirsty. The routine could be drinking a glass of water. And the reward could be feeling refreshed and hydrated.

The Power of Repetition

Repeating a behavior over and over again is what trains our brain to make it a habit. This means that it is important to be consistent when trying to develop a new habit. Some experts suggest that it takes around 21 days to form a new habit, while others believe it can take up to 66 days. The key is to stick with it and not give up too soon.

Make it Simple

One of the main reasons people fail to develop healthy habits is because they make it too difficult for themselves. Start small and gradually build up to a larger goal. For example, if you want to start exercising, don’t set out to run a marathon on the first day. Start with a 10-minute walk and slowly build up to a longer run or more intense workout.

Accountability

Having someone to hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator. Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coworker and ask them to check in with you regularly. You can also join a support group or hire a personal trainer or coach to keep you on track.

The Power of Visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool that can help train your brain for better wellness. Visualize yourself performing the healthy habit you want to develop. For example, if you want to eat more vegetables, visualize yourself shopping for vegetables, preparing them, and enjoying them with your meal. This can help make the habit feel more real and achievable.

In conclusion, developing healthy habits is not easy, but it is possible. By understanding the habits loop, the power of repetition, keeping it simple, accountability, and the power of visualization, we can train our brains for better wellness. It takes time and effort, but the rewards of good health are worth it.