How habits really form

A habit is something you do with little thought because a situation triggers it. Psychologist Wendy Wood's research shows that habits are tied to context: the same place, time or preceding action. That is why you reach for your phone the moment you sit on your bed, or make tea as soon as you get home.

Each time you repeat an action in the same context, the link gets stronger, until the situation starts the behaviour for you. This means habits are built by repetition in a stable setting, not by willpower or big decisions. It also means old habits are easier to change when your context changes, such as a new term, a new room or a new job.