BITCH

Begin

Intensely

To

Change

Habits

Habits arise through repetition. Habits can also develop by triggering the brain's "reward" centres, setting up potentially harmful routines, such as overeating, smoking, gambling and even compulsive use of computers and social media.

Dr. Russell Poldrack, a neurobiologist at the University of Texas at Austin, points out that enjoyable behaviors can release a brain chemical called dopamine. "Dopamine strengthens the habit even more," Poldrack says. "This explains why some people crave drugs, even if they no longer feel particularly good once they take them."

The good news is that humans are not simply creatures of habit. Unfortunately, there is no single effective way to break bad habits.

One approach is to become more aware of unhealthy habits, then develop strategies to counteract them: avoid walking halls where there's a candy machine; avoid places where you've usually smoked; stay away from friends and situations linked to problem drinking or drug use.

Another helpful technique is to "mentally practice the good behavior over the bad" Poldrack says. "It's not guaranteed to work, but it certainly can help."

Which ever strategy you choose they key to success is BITCH. Begin Intensely To Change Habits!