Habits are both good and bad behaviors that you repeat without much thought—if at all. Use the power of habit to create new routines that support a healthy lifestyle.
How to Build a Habit.
Learning how to form new habits and break bad ones can help you control your impulses and start living a healthier lifestyle. Consider the following suggestions for developing good habits:
- Start small: begin with a simple action that is easy to do consistently.
- Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.
- Reading one page of a book before going to bed.
- Doing a 3-minute workout routine when you wake up.
- Taking a 5-minute break to stretch and walk around every hour.
- Writing one gratitude in a journal before you start the day.
- Meditating for 2 minutes before starting work.
- Putting away your phone 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Eating a piece of fruit as a snack in the afternoon.
- Practicing a new word in a foreign language every day.
- Putting on sunscreen before going outside.
- Set a specific goal: have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with the habit.
- Create a trigger: associate the habit with something you already do regularly, such as brushing your teeth or making your bed.
- Track your progress: use a habit tracker or journal to keep track of how often you are able to do the habit.
- Make it enjoyable: find ways to make the habit fun or rewarding.
- Get an accountability partner: find someone to help hold you accountable to your habit.
- Remove barriers: remove any obstacles that make it difficult to do the habit.
- Reward yourself: give yourself a reward for doing the habit, such as a piece of candy or a few minutes of free time.
- Be patient: it takes time to form a habit, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if it takes longer than you expect.
- Persist: don’t give up, even if you slip up or miss a day. Keep going and eventually the habit will become automatic.
Take your Time.
The time it takes for a habit to become automatic varies depending on the person and the complexity of the habit. It is estimated that it takes approximately 66 days for a habit to become automatic. Some people, however, may require more or less time. The key is to practice the habit consistently and persistently, and to not give up even if it takes longer than expected.
You’re Worth It.
Trying to figure out what to do next and how to get there? Meet with one of our Counselors to learn how to embrace your passions and find the grit to take control of your life.
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