Stack-a-Habit
Last week on Block Out The Time we talked about creating good routines or habits, even multiples routines, and how they’re beneficial to our health, happiness and productivity. What happens if you’re having trouble remembering to take action on a particular habit or piece of a routine you’re wanting to start? Here’s a suggestion on how to get that habit in the regular rotation of your routines. Try this:
“Habit stacking” is a technique where you take a new habit you want to form and "stack" it onto an already established habit. This can help make the new habit easier to remember and integrate into your daily routine. You can stack any two or more habits into a block of time you have carved out to get stuff done.
For example, let's say you want to start meditating every morning but you struggle to remember to do it. You could stack your meditation habit onto an already established habit, such as brushing your teeth. After you brush your teeth in the morning, you could then meditate for a few minutes. Over time, this can help the meditation habit become more automatic and easier to remember.
Another example might be stacking a habit of going for a daily walk after lunch. By linking the new habit to an already established routine, it can be easier to remember to do the new habit and it can become a natural part of your day.
When I committed to living a healthier lifestyle I committed to making sure my body was hydrated. The craziest thing… I kept forgetting to drink enough water. Sounds silly but it’s true. I had been a Coke-a-holic for years and water just seemed to pass me by. When I decided to start habit stacking this was the first habit I wanted to simultaneously break and start, less soda, more water.
I tried pairing it with brushing my teeth but it was inconvenient and my water tasted to minty fresh to enjoy. I tired pairing it with getting dressed but it only takes a couple spills before you realize choosing multiple outfits every day is not saving me any time or effort and only causing frustration.
Ultimately, I decided that I could pair water with my first walk into the kitchen for the day. Before I did anything else like make coffee, grab a Coke, feed the dogs I would drink an entire glass of water. I left my cup on the counter the night before so it was an immediate reminder. You know what? It worked! Not only did it start the drinking water, staying hydrated and feeling better overall, it also broke my soda habit.
What habit are you trying to create and what activity will you stack it with?
