International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Bad habits are a series of behaviors that are repeated and reinforced over time and may happen automatically when certain cues or cues are present. Examples include too much time on the screen, procrastination, eating the wrong food, smoking, and nail-biting. Physical, mental, productivity and quality of life can suffer as a result of these behaviors. The only thing that can help overcome a bad habit is to understand what the habit loop is: the cue, the routine, and the reward. This is a short communication in which the evidence-based strategies for habit change: self-awareness, modifying environment, replacement behaviours, goal setting, self-monitoring and social supports, are highlighted. The application of these techniques can be repeated over time and the undesirable behaviors will start to weaken and healthy behavior will start to take its place. Habit change is an ongoing process that takes time, self-compassion and reinforcement.