good habits

Ever tried to start a new habit and just… failed? Yeah, me too. I’ve tried everything – setting alarms, downloading apps, promising myself “tomorrow.” But let’s be honest, willpower isn’t always reliable. That’s why I’m obsessed with “habit stacking.” It’s like a cheat code for building better routines, and it’s changed my workday for the better.

Why Willpower Isn’t Enough (And Why Habit Stacking Works)

Think about it: you want to meditate, but you hit snooze. You want to work out, but you’re too tired. Sound familiar? We’re all creatures of habit. Our brains love routines. But as we get older, it’s harder to create new ones.

That’s where habit stacking comes in. It’s about linking a new habit to something you already do. Instead of fighting your existing routine, you build on it. Think of it as adding a new, cute accessory to your favorite outfit.

How to “Stack” Your Habits (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

1. Identify Your Existing Habits: What do you do every day, without fail? Brush your teeth? Make coffee? Check your phone?
2. Choose a New Habit: What do you want to add to your routine? A minute of meditation? A quick stretch? Reading a page of a book?
3. Link Them Together: “After I brush my teeth, I will meditate for one minute.” “After I make my coffee, I will read a page of my book.”

My Real-Life Examples:

• Instead of: Scrolling on my phone as soon as I sit on the train.
• I now: Put on my headphones and listen to a quick meditation.
• Instead of: Forgetting to stretch during the workday.
• I now: Stretch for 2 minutes after every bathroom break.

Why This Works (Science-y Stuff Made Simple):

Our brains are wired for habits. Habit stacking taps into those existing neural pathways, making it easier to stick to new behaviors. It’s like creating a domino effect: one habit triggers another.

Turning Bad Habits into Good Ones:

You can even use habit stacking to break bad habits. Notice you always reach for your phone when you sit down for lunch? Stack a good habit on top of that. “After I sit down for lunch, I will take three deep breaths.”

Why It’s Perfect for Busy Women:

• It’s Time-Efficient: You’re not adding extra time to your day. You’re just reorganizing it.
• It’s Low-Stress: You don’t need a ton of willpower. The trigger does the work for you.
• It’s Customizable: You can stack any habits that fit your lifestyle.

Give it a Try!

Start with one or two habit stacks and see how it goes. You might be surprised at how easy it is to build better habits into your day. You deserve to feel good about your routines!