HO
NH,
Real talk with Morag Horton
HO
The science behind
bad habits
productive
ways to
BEAT HOLIDAY
BOREDOM,
and feel good
Ever wondered why it can be so hard to give up something
that you know isn't good for you? Entering the new year,
many of us want to start fresh. But changing our behaviour
and breaking bad habits can be difficult, and there's actual
science behind it!
Think of some potentially harmful pleasure-based habits
we might indulge in ... like drinking, smoking, sunbaking,
or eating junk food. Enjoyable behaviours can prompt the
brain to release a feel-good chemical called 'dopamine'
that activates our internal reward centre*. Doing this over
and over releases more dopamine and strengthens the
habit further, whilst creating a craving when we're not doing
it*. So while we are trying so hard to kick a bad habit, our
brains are working against us to reinforce it.
1. BICYCLE ADVENTURE: Get the heart pumping
and play tourist for a day from a bicycle or scooter in
your city or hometown. Invite friends along, making
it extra fun by assigning each person a pitstop or
activity to organise along the way. Who knows what
hidden gems you'll discover?
As pharmacists, we have the training and tools to help you
achieve your resolutions; now, and all through the year!
Here's a few of my top tips to help with bad habits:
• Set goals and break them into smaller, achievable goals
• Out of sight, out of mind. Remove what encourages or
triggers a bad habit (e.g. dispose of ashtray, remove
treats from pantry, turn phone off at night)
2. CLEAN OUT YOUR MEDICINE CUPBOARD:
How long since you've cleaned out your
stash? Now could be the perfect time to Marie
Kondo
medicine
your
medicine box, ensuring everything is
• Consider pharmacy products that may help
(e.g. nicotine gum or patches, meal replacement shakes,
or anti-nail biting nailpolish)
properly sealed, labelled and not expired. Gathering
and storing your medicine together in one single
box clearly marked 'medicine' can help stay
organised and make it easier to find. Just remember
to store it securely.
• Surround yourself with a support crew
Swap the unhealthy habit with a positive activity you
enjoy (e.g. exercise, reading, meditation)
3. MARKET TO PLATE: Challenge yourself to
try a new recipe. Make it fun and support small
businesses while you do it, by shopping locally for
the ingredients at a weekend farmer's market. Once
your dish is prepared, invite friends or family over to
enjoy your culinary creation.
4. PLANT A VEGGIE PATCH: A perfect activity to do
with kids, and will add a new twist to meals using
homegrown herbs and veggies. If you don't have a
garden, upcycle old pots, containers or empty soft
drink bottles and paint fun designs on them. Try
seeds that grow quickly, so the kids can watch their
plant creations spring to life.
It can take a lot of repetition and patience to break a bad
habit, and seeking the right support is key. Speak to your
local TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist about how we can
help you start fresh, and achieve your new year goals with
healthy habits.
EXPERTS
IN CARE
TRAINED
5. BEACH DAY: There's nothing quite like a day of
sunshine, sea and sand. Best of all – it costs nothing!
Make a day of it and bring a BBQ lunch and cool
drinks, build sandcastles, or relax with a book or
magazine. Remember to pack your sunscreen (SPF
50+), hat, sunglasses and protective clothing before
head out, and stay sun safe!
Morag Horton
Pharmacist
TerryWhite Chemmart
Melbourne Street Pharmacy, SA
TerryWhite
Chemmart
*National Institute of Health (USDHHS), 2012:
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/01/breaking-bad-habits
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