If you're having a tough time sticking to your New Year's resolution, a behaviour training gadget called the Pavlok could get you back on track in 30 days.
The bracelet uses "aversive conditioning" to train the brain against bad habits; such as overspending, smoking, nail biting, sleeping in and mindless eating, with "negative stimuli and association to help reaffirm a specific action as undesirable".
The device, which can be purchased on Amazon for under £194, learns your behaviours and uses a 350-volt self-inflicted shock to help you break your bad habits.
Explaining how the shock effects the brain in a product video, Pavlok said: "The fear of loss stimulates basal ganglia [a group of structures found deep within the cerebral hemispheres].
"The chance of reward motivates your prefrontal cortex [which controls cognitive behaviour and decision making]. In fewer than 30 days, action becomes a habit."
Advert
The bracelet, which can deliver 150 shocks a day, is paired with an app on your phone so you can pick which type of habit you're trying to quit and tailor the shocks you get.
And if you need extreme discipline, you can get family and friends to download the app to zap you remotely.
The creators liken the shock to walking across a rug and touching a doorknob after rubbing your socks on a carpet and say the Pavlok has been "designed with both the latest science and habit change research".
Reviews on Amazon about the product have been mainly positive.
One customer shared: "I have tried a few devices to help me wake early for success without interrupting my wife's beauty sleep. This one I have to say is the best so far.
"I am able to wake up and get moving quietly. I turn off the sound alarm and turn the shock on about 60 per cent and the vibrate on 100 per cent and it works like a charge if the vibration doesn't wake me the shock will."
"At 100 per cent on a decent charge it is more than enough of a zap to get your attention," another shared.
"I'm glad I bought it, so far I believe it is working. It's not going to cure a lifelong issue in a few days so you have to stick to their plan and really work on it."
Now halfway through the year - perhaps this will help give you the push you need.
Featured Image Credit: Pavlok / AmazonTopics: Health