WHY WE GET STUCK IN BAD HABITS — and How the Mind Can Break Free
Photo by Emma Swoboda on Unsplash
We all have habits we wish we could change — reaching for snacks when stressed, scrolling late into the night, or procrastinating on important tasks. But why are bad habits so hard to break, even when we know they don’t serve us?
The answer lies in how the brain learns. Each time we repeat a behaviour, the brain lays down a pathway, like a well-trodden track through a field. The more often we repeat it, the deeper the track becomes. Eventually, the brain chooses that route automatically — even if part of us wants to take a different path.
On top of that, habits often trigger quick bursts of reward chemicals, like dopamine. This makes the behaviour feel satisfying in the short term, even if we regret it afterwards. Stress and fatigue make these patterns even stronger, because the brain prefers the “easy route” when it’s low on energy.
So how do we break free?
The good news is that the brain is also wired for change. Through relaxation, focus, and repetition, new pathways can be built. Hypnotherapy helps by quieting the part of the mind that clings to the old track, while strengthening the part that can imagine and commit to a new way forward.
Instead of relying on willpower alone, hypnosis works with the unconscious mind — the part responsible for those automatic habits — to replace old routines with healthier ones. Over time, the new track becomes the preferred route, and the old habit loses its grip.
If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in a habit, remember: your brain isn’t broken. It’s just following an old map. With the right tools, you can draw a new one — and start walking it today.
Mark Spalek
Clinical Hypnotherapist, Therapeutic Coach, NLP Practitioner
GHR (reg), Dip. Hyp, Dip. NLP, GQHP, MSc, BSc, PGCE