Habit Hacking: Transform Your Routine with Functional Mushrooms

Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives. From the moment we wake up to the time we fall asleep, the small, repeated actions we take shape our health, productivity, and overall happiness. As James Clear states in his bestselling book Atomic Habits: “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” (1)  Building good habits and breaking bad ones is the key to long-term success, and functional mushrooms, such as those that are pure and dual extracted found in DIRTEA products, can play a transformative role in supporting your journey.

The duration required to build a habit has been the subject of ongoing debate, with a popular misconception suggesting it takes 21 days. However, the research highlighted on the University College London (UCL) website reveals that it typically takes an average of 66 days—approximately 10 weeks—to establish a new habit after the initial action. This timeframe, however, can vary depending on the individual and the specific behaviour in question. (2)

In this blog, we’ll explore the science of habit-building, offer actionable tips to create lasting habits, and show how you can seamlessly incorporate DIRTEA functional mushroom products—from coffee and cacao blends to gummies—into your daily routine for optimal wellness.

 

 

The Science of Habit Building

Habits are deeply rooted in our brain’s wiring. Neuroscience shows that the basal ganglia, a part of the brain involved in emotions, memories, and pattern recognition, is key to habit formation. Habits form through a loop consisting of three stages:

  1. Cue: A trigger that initiates the habit.
  2. Routine: The action or behaviour itself.
  3. Reward: The positive outcome that reinforces the habit.

Clear explains that building good habits requires leveraging these steps effectively. By pairing a new habit with an existing one (habit stacking) or rewarding yourself with something enjoyable, you can accelerate the process of creating routines that stick.

Why Good Habits Matter for Wellness

Good habits act as the foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life. Whether it’s committing to regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, or practising mindfulness, these small, consistent actions compound over time to produce significant results. As Clear emphasises, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”

Functional mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Tremella, offer a natural way to amplify the benefits of good habits. Packed with adaptogens, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, they can support your energy, focus, immunity, and relaxation—helping you stick to your routines with ease.

How to Build Habits and Incorporate Functional Mushrooms

 

1. Start Small and Make It Easy

Clear advises that the key to building habits is to make them as easy and manageable as possible. Begin with micro-habits—small, achievable actions that build momentum.

Example: If you want to improve your work-related focus, start by swapping your morning coffee for DIRTEA’s  Coffee Super Blend. This blend pairs premium Arabica coffee with Lion’s Mane mushrooms to boost cognitive function and mental clarity; with 80% less caffeine, it also prevents crashes and jitters, so you are off to a more focused and alert state.

Ritual Tip:

  • For instance, keep your coffee tin on the kitchen counter where you can see it first thing when you walk in. Have your kit ready the night before to brew in the morning. This will eliminate decision fatigue and reinforce the habit.

Benefits of DIRTEA Coffee:

  • Enhances focus and memory.
  • Provides natural energy without crashes.
  • Fortified with Vitamin B12 for brain health

2. Use Habit Stacking

Habit stacking involves attaching a new habit to an existing one. For example, if you already journal in the evening, pair this practice with sipping DIRTEA’s Cacao Super Blend.

Why Reishi Cacao?

  • Reishi mushrooms promote relaxation and deep sleep.
  • Raw cacao enhances serotonin levels, calming your mind.
  • Fortified with Biotin and Vitamin B12 to support immunity and recovery.

Ritual Tip:

  • Make a warm cup of Cacao before bed and enjoy it while journaling or meditating. This creates a soothing bedtime routine that primes your body for restful sleep.

3. Leverage Rewards


Every habit needs a reward to reinforce it. According to Clear, “What is immediately rewarded is repeated. What is immediately punished is avoided.” 

A study found that “Perceived reward can reinforce habits beyond the impact of reward upon repetition”. (3)

Example: Reward yourself with DIRTEA’s Tremella Gummies after completing a workout or a self-care routine. These peach-flavoured gummies support skin hydration and promote glowing skin while also satisfying your sweet tooth.

Benefits of Tremella Gummies:

  • Fortified with Vitamin C, Biotin, and Zinc for beauty benefits.
  • Supports collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
  • Strengthens hair, skin, and nails.

Ritual Tip:

  • Keep Tremella Gummies in your gym bag to reinforce the exercise habit with an enjoyable and nourishing treat.

 

4. Optimise your Enviroment

Clear notes that our environment has a powerful impact on our habits. Design your surroundings to make good habits the default.

Example: Keep a jar of DIRTEA Cordyceps Gummies on your desk to remind you to take one before an afternoon workout or a midday energy slump.

Why Cordyceps Gummies?

  • Packed with Vitamin B3, B5, and C to reduce fatigue.
  • Boosts physical performance and endurance.
  • Provides a natural pre-workout alternative.

Ritual Tip:

  • Set a daily reminder on your phone to take your Cordyceps Gummies 30 minutes before exercise.

5. Track and Celebrate Progress

Tracking your habits helps you stay consistent and motivates you to keep going. Use a habit tracker or simply mark your calendar each time you complete your routine.

Example: If your goal is to stay hydrated and nourished, add DIRTEA’s Matcha Super Blend to your daily ritual. This blend combines ceremonial-grade matcha with Tremella mushrooms to support hydration, focus, and beauty.

Benefits of DIRTEA Matcha:

  • Provides calm, focused energy.
  • Fortified with Biotin, Vitamin C, and B vitamin complex to support psychological function, the nervous system, boost energy levels, and enhance hair and nails.
  • Hydrates skin and boosts elasticity.

Ritual Tip:

  • Enjoy a matcha latte mid-afternoon as a refreshing break from work. Use the time to reflect on your progress and celebrate small wins.

Why Functional Mushrooms Are Perfect for Habit Building

Functional mushrooms complement habit-building efforts by providing tangible benefits that reinforce routines. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, focus, immunity, or relaxation, DIRTEA’s range of super blends and gummies makes it easy to integrate these wellness-boosting adaptogens into your daily life.

Key Reasons to Incorporate Functional Mushrooms:

  • Immediate Rewards: Delicious and easy-to-prepare, DIRTEA products provide instant gratification, making new habits enjoyable.
  • Holistic Benefits: Functional mushrooms support multiple aspects of wellness, enhancing the impact of your habits.
  • Versatility: With options like coffee, cacao, matcha, chai, and gummies, there’s a DIRTEA product for every part of your day.

Final Thoughts

As James Clear says, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Building habits is a long-term process, but with the right systems and tools, you can create lasting changes that transform your life.

DIRTEA’s functional mushroom products are the perfect allies in your habit-building journey. By integrating them into your daily rituals, you can hack your health and wellness while reinforcing positive behaviours.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your habits compound into extraordinary results. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

References

  1. Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. Avery.
  2. University College London. (n.d.). The science of habits. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology-health-care/research/behavioural-science-and-health/research/energy-balance-cancer/healthy-habits/science-habits (Accessed: 12 December 2024)
  3. Lally, P., Van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. BMC Psychology, 4(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-018-0270-z


FAQ’S

  1. What are functional mushrooms, and how do they work?
    Functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Tremella and Cordyceps are adaptogenic fungi known for their health benefits. They work by supporting the body’s natural processes, including focus, immunity, energy, and relaxation.
  2. How can DIRTEA Lion’s Mane products improve focus and productivity?Some of our products, such as DIRTEA’s Super Blend, Lion’s Mane gummies and Lion’s Mane pure powder, contain pure, dual-extracted Lion’s Mane mushrooms, known for enhancing cognitive function and memory. These products naturally boost mental focus.
  1. What makes DIRTEA products unique?
    DIRTEA products are 100% pure, dual-extracted, and high-quality, ensuring maximum absorption of the mushrooms' active compounds. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with vitamins to support holistic wellness.
  2. Can I use DIRTEA products daily?
    Yes, DIRTEA products are designed to fit into your daily routines seamlessly. Whether it’s DIRTEA Coffee to jumpstart your morning, Cacao for relaxation, or Tremella Gummies for a beauty boost, you can enjoy them every day.
  3. Which DIRTEA product is best for energy and workouts?
    For natural energy and endurance, try DIRTEA Cordyceps Gummies or the Cordyceps pure powder. Cordyceps mushrooms are ideal for reducing fatigue and boosting physical performance without artificial stimulants.
  4. Are DIRTEA products suitable for evening use?
    Yes, certain products like DIRTEA Reishi or DIRTEA Cacao are perfect for evening rituals. Reishi mushrooms promote relaxation and deep sleep, making them an excellent addition to your night-time routine.
  5. Do DIRTEA products contain caffeine?
    Some DIRTEA products, like DIRTEA Coffee, DIRTEA Chai and DIRTEA Matcha, contain natural caffeine. However, they are formulated to provide a balanced energy boost without the crashes or jitters of regular caffeine consumption.
  6. Are there any beauty benefits to using DIRTEA products?
    Absolutely! DIRTEA’s Tremella products, such as the Tremella Gummies and Matcha Super blend, are fortified with vitamins like Biotin and Vitamin C to promote hydrated, glowing skin and strong hair and nails.
  7. Can I combine multiple DIRTEA products in a single day?
    Yes, DIRTEA products are safe to combine throughout your day. For example, you can enjoy DIRTEA Lion’s Mane Coffee in the morning to focus, Cordyceps Gummies before your workout, and Reishi pure powder in the evening to relax.
  8.  How long does it take to feel the effects of DIRTEA products? The effects of DIRTEA products can vary depending on the individual. For example, you may feel increased focus and energy shortly after consuming DIRTEA Coffee, while the long-term benefits of functional mushrooms compound with consistent daily use.