pressures of strain lead to entrenched patterns of behavior
In a study published by Suzanne Wu on May 28th, 2013, on Futurity, researchers at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles explored the relationship between stress and habit persistence. The study, co-led by David Neal, found that stress increases the persistence of habits, whether good or bad, because stress causes people to rely more on habitual behaviors rather than goal-directed actions.
According to the study, during stressful periods, individuals are more likely to fall back on automatic habits as a coping mechanism. This reliance on habits makes them more resistant to change, even if they are undesirable or contrary to current goals. This effect occurs because stress impairs the cognitive control processes that normally regulate habit expression, thereby strengthening the influence of established habits on behavior.
The study's findings challenge the focus on self-control for disease prevention and suggest that understanding how to let go and form healthy habits might be more effective. For instance, the research showed that students who regularly ate healthy breakfasts, like oatmeal, were more likely to continue this habit during stressful periods and eat well in the morning. Similarly, regular gym-goers were more likely to continue exercising when stressed.
Moreover, the study found that habits don't require much willpower or thought, making them easier to perform and more likely to become part of a daily routine. This is significant because habits make it possible for us to function every day, such as brushing our teeth or knowing our daily routine. Even activities like reading the editorial pages in the newspaper every day were more likely to be performed during exams, even when time was limited.
The study's implications extend beyond the realm of health and fitness. It suggests that the central question for behavior change efforts should be how to form healthy, productive habits. By understanding how stress influences habits, researchers and individuals can work towards creating habits that support well-being and productivity, even in the face of stress.
In conclusion, the study by Suzanne Wu and David Neal sheds light on the power of habits in shaping our behavior, especially during stressful times. By recognising the importance of habits in our lives and understanding how they can be harnessed for positive change, we can take steps towards forming habits that promote our well-being and support our goals.
Science reveals that during stressful periods, individuals tend to rely on established habits for coping, making these habits more resistant to change (whether desirable or not). For instance, mental health can be improved through the establishment of healthy habits like taking time for mindfulness exercises or regular reading of self-help books, which can become automatic over time. Similarly, wellness can be advanced through regular exercise and healthy eating, as these habits can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.
