Humans are “creatures of habit”. Habits and other【C1】_____behaviors are so named【C2】__they require little planning or willpower. You just do them. But unfortunately, it【C3】_____with a group of critical brain operations known as the executive functions.

The executive functions are a set of attention【C4】_____skills that allow us to attend selectively to something, and to shift flexibly from one way of looking at it to another. They rely on working memory, willpower, and concentration. And there’s evidence that the less you【C5】__them, the weaker they become. If somebody creates routines in their life where they’re not being【C6】__and solving new problems, the brain networks supporting the executive functions would【C7】_____in the same way that unused muscles do.

Researchers have examined the【C8】_____between strong executive functioning and problems related to mood and behavior. They have found that poor executive functioning is linked to depression, drug abuse and antisocial behavior. If you don’t have a(n)【C9】__that allows you to【C10】__new challenges and to solve problems, then you will not be【C11】__the particular brain networks that are【C12】_____flexible, goal-directed problem solving.

【C13】_____much of this work, research has found that curiosity and a【C14】_____ for exploration—characteristics that lead people away from the routine and toward【C15】_____experiences—are tightly linked with improved mood and a reduced risk for depression.【C16】__our brains may be programmed to conserve resources and【C17】__familiar situations and behaviors, too much predictability seems to【C18】_____our minds in ways that raise our risks for mental and cognitive dysfunction.

Good habits are a(n)【C19】_____of a healthy, happy, and productive life. But shaking things up with travel, with challenging tasks, and with other new experiences may prevent your habits from【C20】_____ you down.

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