Ever heard of the “Habit Loop?”

Ever heard of the “Habit Loop?” It may sound like something out of a Tolkien novel, but it’s actually a fairly well-studied system in human psychology that helps us to understand how habits (both bad and good!) are created, reinforced, and replicated. 

What does that mean for you? Harness the power of the Habit Loop - and you have the power to change your life, one habit at a time! 

Want to work out more? Eat more nutritious food? Get stronger? Sleep better? Read on!

Now, one step at a time. Let’s understand how the general “Habit Loop” works: 

1. Cue: A trigger that initiates the behaviour – it could be anything from an alarm to a location to a feeling. 

Example: Walking down to your kitchen first thing in the morning and seeing your coffee maker. 

2. Response: The behaviour that you perform in response to the trigger. 

Example: Making a cup of coffee and drinking it. 

3. Reward: The positive outcome that reinforces the habit. 

Example: A feeling of satisfaction because you like coffee, or feeling more awake. 

**Remember, when we’re considering our overall health, this reward can be positively impacting your health, neutral to your health, or negatively impacting your health. A couple of alcoholic drinks feel great in the moment (e.g. the reward!), but then the next morning might not feel so good. 

Okay, now that we know what’s going on, how do we use this system to improve our own habits? 

1. Start small: Start with small actions or habits (like drinking more water or trying to add in a workout per week). Don’t try to change everything at once. 

2. Take away obstacles and have a plan: Trying to drink more water? Leave the bottle in plain sight. Trying to work out more? Schedule it like a doctor’s appointment, so you don’t skip. 

3. Use accountability: Work with a coach, set up accountability with a partner or friend, or use tracking methods like notebooks or apps. 

4. Be patient: Creating these new habits takes time! Don’t give up because it doesn’t come easily in days or even weeks. 

Ready to form a new habit and get stronger today? Try your first RiseUp Fitness class for FREE!