Interactive Reading

The Science of Habit Formation

Habits are behaviors that have become largely ____(1), requiring little conscious thought. Neuroscientists explain that habits form through a loop of cue, routine and reward. When an action is ____(2) rewarded in a particular context, the brain begins to link the context with the behavior. Over time, the cue alone can ____(3) the routine. This mechanism is highly ____(4), because it frees mental resources for more demanding tasks. However, it also explains why harmful habits are so difficult to ____(5). （缺一句话） Researchers suggest that rather than relying on willpower, people should ____(6) their environment. For example, keeping unhealthy snacks out of sight can ____(7) the cue that leads to snacking. Similarly, preparing exercise clothes the night before makes a desirable habit more ____(8). Small, consistent changes, rather than dramatic resolutions, tend to produce the most ____(9) results. Ultimately, understanding how habits work can help people ____(10) behaviors that support their long-term goals.