I have a "habit" to water my houseplants. Surely people growing crops, long before any sort of industrial revolution, recognized regularly caring for crops led to healthier plants and better yields.

My dad grew up going to a country school and had a "habit" of taking his rifle to pick off rabbits or checking his trapline along the river in the morning before school. Surely hunters built habits based on behavior of animals they were trying to collect.

When I go backpacking, I have strict habits around navigation, hydration, and hygiene to keep myself safe and healthy.

If anything, my own survival would be more reason to form strong "habits" than to be slightly more productive for my corporate overlords.