3 ways to get rid of a bad habit forever

There is no need to lie to yourself, we all have a bad habit we would like to get rid of. Be it cigarette addiction, lack of sleep, propensity to check or even poor diet or excessive sedentary behaviour… the list of bad habits is not exhaustive. According to a study, in France ipsos Done in 2024, 90% of French people believe “Adopt at least one bad eating habit per week”It sets the tone! While we are all “in the same boat”, how can we get rid of good daily exercise?

How to get rid of bad habit?

Researcher Wendy Wood looked into the concept of bad habits and implemented a Study The topic on which the magazine was published Current Directions in Psychological ScienceIn 2024. In this report, relayed by psychology todayWe learn in particular that getting rid of a bad habit depends not only on motivation or determination, but also on memories and routines: “The answer lies in habit memories, which are formed when people repeat rewarding actions.” According to their research, it would be enough to implement three simple tips to break any bad habit. Here they are:

Set up a new reward system

If we find it so difficult to give up a habit, it is because it usually makes us feel instantly healthy: whether it is scrolling on social networks, smoking a cigarette, eating in a fast-food restaurant… According to the researcher, it would be enough to find an alternative to this bad habit to get rid of it.

If you watch your favorite series every evening and then feel the urge to eat junk food, you will need to establish a new ritual. For example, it could be preparing a healthy and tasty meal before sitting on the couch to watch a series. Then, as a reward, you can watch your TV series. This way, you’ll reward yourself by watching your series after enjoying a healthy meal. Did you see this idea? This tip involves finding an alternative that is more beneficial than the bad habit.

Make this habit relevant

Before you want to get rid of a bad habit, try to remember when and in what context the habit started. Once you identify the causes of this bad habit, you will be able to understand how to quit it. For example, if you drink beer after work after a hard day, not out of desire, but out of reaction, you need to change this routine.

How ? By forming a healthy habit. This could be through a sports session, meditation or a simple herbal tea to enjoy while reading a book. Over time, your brain will naturally get rid of this bad routine.

introduce restrictions

Getting rid of any bad habit does not happen overnight. And this often requires going through a restriction phase. Because yes, having such easy access to your bad habit every day will not make the situation any easier. For example, if you have a habit of scrolling on your phone every evening: Change this habit by putting your phone in another room at night or putting your phone on “do not disturb.” This also works with packages of cookies that you can hide (or not buy).

Idea? Limit your addiction to this routine. By following these three tips, you have a good chance of getting rid of it successfully. up to you !