EVERYDAY HABITS BASED ON PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES - Ms. Ayesha Sabeen M / Head / PG Department of Psychology / MKJC(A)

 EVERYDAY HABITS BASED ON PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES 

1. Making To - Do lists

    Writing tasks down frees up your brain from holding everything at once.

    Lists help you reduce cognitive overload by shifting tasks from short - term memory to external memory.

    They also activate executive functioning - the brain's planning and goal setting system - which improves motivation and task follow - through.

    This is rooted in:

    Cognitive Load Theory

    Executive Function Theory.

2.Doodling While Listening 

    Doodling during passive tasks like lectures or phone calls can actually help maintain attention.

    It provides just enough sensory stimulation to prevent your mind from wandering too far - keeping you grounded while absorbing information.

    Studies suggest it improves retention and recall, especially when you're slightly disengaged.

    It is rooted in:

    Sustained attention models

    Sensory regulation techniques

    Default mode network disruption.

3. Rewatching Comfort Shows

    Familiar shows give you emotional predictability - your brain already knows what's coming, reducing uncertainty and stress.

    This activates dopaminergic pathways tied to safety, nostalgia, and emotional regulation.

    It's a common coping strategy during high - stress or burnout periods.

    It is rooted in:

    1. Predictability Bias

    2. Emotion Regulation Models

    3. Cognitive Reappraisal

4. Talking to Yourself (Out Loud)

    Verbalizing thoughts helps you organize and regulate internal processes - it's like narrating your own mental flow.

    Also used in sports psychology and child development to enhance self - control, reduce impulsivity, and improve problem - solving.

    What feels like "rambling" is actually metacognitive scaffolding.

    It is rooted in:

    1. Self - Talk theory

    2. Metacognition    

    3. Cognitive Behavioral Regulation.

5.MIRROR SELFIES

    Taking and reviewing mirror selfies is a form of self concept reinforcement - you're literally reflecting on how you see yourself.

    It helps build self - awareness, aids identity development, and in some cases, boosts mood and confidence through visual feedback.

    It can also activate mirror - neuron systems - engaging social cognition as if looking at someone else.

    It is rooted in:

    1. Self - Perception Theory

    2. Body Image Psychology

    3. Mirror Neuron System.

A Blog By

Ms. Ayesha Sabeen M

Assistant Professor & Head

PG Department of Psychology

Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous)

Vaniyambadi