The Science of Making & Breaking Habits | Episode 53

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This episode I review the science of habit formation and habit elimination and how the process of neuroplasticity (brain rewiring) underlies these processes. I describe 2 new systems for habit formation -- the first system is grounded in the neuroscience of brain states and our ability to perform (and to avoid) certain tasks at different phases of the 24-hour day. The second system focuses on 21-day habit formation and consolidation. I also discuss "task bracketing" as an approach to enhancing habit formation and eliminating unwanted habits, and the neural circuits that underlie task bracketing in the basal ganglia (a brain region for generating and stopping behaviors). I also review the science of dopamine rewards, and how to apply that knowledge to shaping habits. The science and tools in this episode ought to prove useful for anyone looking to build better habits and eliminate unwanted habits for school, work, fitness, relationships, creative endeavors, and more-- indeed for any person or situation where behavioral changes are needed.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thank you to our sponsors:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Athletic Greens - <a href= "http://www.athleticgreens.com/huberman">http://www.athleticgreens.com/huberman</a> </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">InsideTracker - <a href= "http://www.insidetracker.com/huberman">http://www.insidetracker.com/huberman</a> </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Helix Sleep - <a href= "http://www.helixsleep.com/huberman">http://www.helixsleep.com/huberman</a> </span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our Patreon page:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href= "https://www.patreon.com/andrewhuberman">https://www.patreon.com/andrewhuberman</a> </span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Supplements from Thorne:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href= "http://www.thorne.com/u/huberman">