Welcome to another #WellnessPost ! On today's menu, I would like to discuss all things habit stacking.
Habit stacking is the process of implementing new habits into your day that generate positive outcomes. Examples may include drinking more water, incorporating meditation into your day, or even creating a new workout routine. It's a process of changing your day by utilizing new habits to build a better routine.
Why Should I Habit Stack?
Habit stacking is something that seems daunting, but it doesn't have to be! It's those micro-changes in your life that can seriously make macro changes. Let's start with your morning. What do you do during your morning? Do you scroll social media? Hit the snooze button 8 times? Or check emails that get your adrenaline pumping in the wrong way? Sometimes the choices you make in the morning can affect the rest of your day! This is where habit stacking can help you to reach your full potential. Its purpose is to incorporate positive daily life hacks into your day so that you can be productive, proactive, and live to your fullest intent.
Who Is Habit Stacking For?
It's for anyone. It does not discriminate! I think the bigger question is, are you ready to habit stack? Habit stacking incorporates a shift in the mind and body. You have to want to change habits to be successful. It's like asking someone to lose weight who doesn't have the right mindset. It just does not add up. So, the real question is are you ready to make small adjustments to your life to produce positive changes? If the answer is yes, then keep reading!
Habit Stacking One Step At A Time
Don't make this task daunting or time-consuming because it does not need to be. With this process, you first need to decide what you want to implement or change. Do you want to drink more water? Exercise in the morning vs the night? Write a few pages daily. Meditate? The first step is figuring out what you want to start to incorporate.
The next step is to decide when and where you want to fit this new habit. Does it fit best into the morning or evening? Can you place it in the early or late afternoon? Where does it feel right and work best with your schedule? You do not want to change your whole schedule for this habit you want it to fit right into what you already have in place. Again, we do not want this to be daunting.
Then, you practice! Practice makes perfect! So, you practice the habit and you reflect throughout your practice. Does this feel right during this time of day? Is it becoming effortless or is it starting to become a chore? Let me remind you that change can be uncomfortable and research shows giving a habit at least 21 days before tossing it. Keep that in mind as you move forward.
Examples of Habit Stacking
Let me give you a few examples of my habit of stacking.
I always want to get a workout in early in the morning before everyone wakes 4-5 days per week. Since no one is awake before 6 am, I can concentrate and work on the mind/muscle connection that increases muscular strength. I can also use that time to focus on my mind because exercise isn't just about the body it incorporates the mind as well. The morning is quiet, calm, and peaceful.
Another habit I have tried to implement is stretching in the evenings. It's only 5-10 minutes of my day so I try to wind down and stretch to find some peace and increase my flexibility.
One of my best friends makes it a point to get outside daily no matter the weather. She likes to do walking meditations but is also content with sitting outside in the earthy silence.
Remember Habit Stacking is for You
Habit stacking doesn't have to change your day and twist it all around. It can be something small. I have found that the smallest changes usually make the biggest impacts. I hope this helps!
Xo,
Erica
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