The Comfort of Routine: Why We Cling to Familiar Habits
At Eternal Tides, we often hear about the comfort people find in routines, especially during emotionally charged moments like saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Routines anchor us. They make a chaotic world feel manageable, providing us with familiar steps to follow when uncertainty looms.
Psychologists explain that habits form as a way to conserve mental energy. They simplify decision-making by allowing us to rely on established patterns (Wood & Neal, 2016). When faced with grief, routines offer stability, acting as a kind of emotional autopilot. But while habits can be helpful, they can also limit us, especially when it comes to making choices that align with our values.
Consider aftercare decisions for pets. Traditional cremation has long been the "go-to" option. Most people choose it because it’s familiar, not necessarily because it’s the best fit for their beliefs or priorities. This is where routine can hinder us. It’s easy to default to what we know, even if alternatives—like aquamation—offer meaningful, sustainable solutions that better align with our love for pets and the environment.
Breaking free from habit requires reflection. It calls us to pause, ask questions, and consider whether the choices we make truly reflect our values. Are we honoring our pets in a way that feels right to our hearts—or are we simply following a path laid by routine?
Habits are powerful, but they’re not immovable. By challenging them, we create space for decisions that resonate with our truest intentions.
Are your habits serving your values—or is it time to listen to your heart?
References
Wood, W., & Neal, D. T. (2016). The Habitual Consumer. Current Opinion in Psychology, 10, 33-39. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.12.014
Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. New York: Random House.
Gardner, B. (2015). A Review and Analysis of the Use of "Habit" in Understanding, Predicting, and Influencing Health-Related Behavior. Health Psychology Review, 9(3), 277-295. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2013.876238
