How to break bad habits with the help of psychology

Bad habits are often shaped by a deadly combination of stress and boredom. They act as a defense mechanism, allowing us to deal with excessive stress or when we are too bored for a long period of time. Every bad habit we tend to form, from wasting time on social media to drinking daily, is our response to boredom and stress.

Working on the issues that cause stress and boredom can often enable us to become more aware of our toxic habits, find better ways to deal with them, and find healthier substitutes to break our bad habits. James Clear , author of the New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits , explains, "Sometimes the stress or boredom that's on the surface is actually caused by deeper issues. It can be hard to think about these issues, but if you're serious about making changes, then you have to be honest with yourself."