Habit formation is the process through which behaviors become automatic through repetition. When a person consistently engages in a specific action, the brain creates neural pathways that make it easier to perform that action in the future. This process often involves a cue or trigger, a routine or behavior, and a reward, which together form what is known as the habit loop.
Over time, as the habit is repeated, it requires less conscious effort, allowing individuals to perform the behavior almost instinctively. Understanding this process can help people develop positive habits, such as regular exercise or healthy eating, while also breaking negative ones.