News 12’s Elizabeth Hashagen was joined by Dr. Katy Milkman, a professor at the Wharton School, to discuss ways you can adapt healthy habits during the pandemic.

Milkman is a cutting-edge researcher on human behavior who wrote the book “How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” and hosts the Choiceology podcast. She has worked with or advised dozens of organizations on how to spur positive change, including Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Red Cross and Walmart.

Milkman says many people during the pandemic have made big life changes, such as job or lifestyle changes. She says people often reassess their life choices after “fresh start moments,” or points when they feel like they are turning chapters.

Milkman says people may view the increase in reopenings across the tri-state caused by increased vaccination rates as their “fresh start moments.”

Milkman led a research effort focusing on what it takes to kickstart exercise habits. She says one of the key findings was about preventing missing more than one scheduled workout in a row.

Milkman says sometimes it can be overwhelming to try to keep up with multiple goals at once, so it's important to have a plan for your top goal.

If you're struggling to break your social media habit, Milkman suggests using a "commitment device," or a tool that lets you hold yourself accountable when you don't achieve a goal.

If you are trying to get your kids to eat healthier, Milkman has a few tips based on research findings.