Habit-forming in a Time of Pandemic.

Abstract

Habit forming in humans is reflexive. We change our environment and ourselves in order to attain maximum comfort and well-being. It is the effort that goes into these adaptive processes that forms a habit. The habit is intended to prevent us from constant experimenting and risk taking. The greater our well-being, the better we function and the longer we survive. Habits can be thought of as obsessive-compulsive rituals intended to reduce and fend off anxiety and provide cognitive closure. They also have a pronounced social function and foster bonding, attachment and group interdependence.