We all have habits we’d like to change—whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, drinking less alcohol, or managing stress better. Yet, despite knowing what’s good for us, we often find ourselves repeating the same unhealthy patterns.
The truth is, our habits aren’t just conscious choices—they’re deeply wired into our subconscious. That’s why change can feel so hard, even when we’re motivated.
How Do Unhealthy Habits Form?
Most habits begin as a way to meet an emotional or physical need. Stress, boredom, loneliness, or exhaustion can all trigger automatic behaviours that provide temporary comfort. For example:
🍫 Eating sugary foods releases dopamine and endorphins, creating a brief “feel-good” effect.
🍷 Drinking alcohol helps numb stress and unwind after a long day.
🛋️ Skipping exercise feels easier when we’re tired and lacking motivation.
The problem is, our brains remember these quick rewards and start reinforcing them as automatic responses. Over time, these behaviours become subconscious patterns—so ingrained that we repeat them without even thinking.
The Key to Lasting Change
Breaking free from unhealthy habits isn’t about using more willpower or “just trying harder.” It starts with understanding why we do what we do. When we recognize the emotional triggers behind our habits, we can begin to shift them in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
Instead of focusing on restriction or guilt, try this:
✔ Pause before acting. When a craving or urge hits, take a moment to ask, what am I really feeling right now? Am I tired, stressed, or looking for comfort?
✔ Find a new way to meet your needs. If stress drives you to drink, could a walk, deep breathing, or a chat with a friend offer relief instead? If food is your go-to comfort, what else could bring you joy?
✔ Celebrate small wins. Each time you make a positive choice, acknowledge it. The more you reinforce good habits with positive emotions, the easier they become.
You have more power than you think. When you start shifting the way you think about your habits—rather than fighting against them—you naturally begin to make better choices. And over time, you’ll no longer feel the same pull toward unhealthy behaviours because you won’t need them in the same way.
If you’re ready to explore these changes in a supportive way, our Kickstart Healthy Habits programme helps individuals and teams build sustainable habits that last. Contact us at info@atworkwellbeing.co.uk or give us a call on 020 393 8172 to discuss further.
