We all have habits. There are some we consider good, and others not-so-good. A habit is  “an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary” according to Dictionary.com. In other words, a habit is something we do continuously, until we get accustomed to doing it automatically. There isn’t much thought involved in doing them. In this way, we make our habits, however, our habits in turn, make us.

Consider Your Habits

Think about some of the habits you have. Perhaps you stay up really late at night usually, or maybe you have a daily exercise routine that you do.

How do your habits impact you? Do you feel groggy after staying up late and having to wake up early? Do you find yourself feeling energized and pumped after your daily workout? It’s important to note how the things you do affect how you feel. By looking at how your habits make you feel, you can assess whether or not they’re working for you.

 

Making Your Habits Work For You

The best thing about habits is that they can be changed, used to elevate you. For example, I had realized that as a very pensive person, I had trouble sleeping because of all the thoughts that rushed through my head. My solution? I created a sleep routine (or habit, rather). Before I go to sleep I shower, journal for 30-45 minutes, and meditate for 10 minutes. By following this routine, my mind and body know when it’s time to relax and go to sleep. I’m still cultivating consistency for this routine – creating a good habit – and I’ve found that my overall wellness has increased ten-fold.

So how can you make your habits work for you? Consider this. What is something you do, perhaps once in awhile, that has lifted your spirits and added to your overall wellness? Make that a habit! Schedule time for it weekly, if not daily. And fear not! “Bad” habits can always be reduced and changed. Really assess which habits you would like to have, and think about how these can help or contribute to your joy and well-being.

Once you’ve mapped out the habit you want to have, be sure to stick to it. Try sticking to one habit for 3 weeks, and forgive yourself if you slip up a day or two. It’s all about creating that intention and practice that will enhance your life! Before you know it, it will become routine.

 

Ideas of Good Habits to Create

  1. A good sleep schedule. Go to sleep and rise at the same time each day for a week, and note how you feel. A pleasant night’s sleep does wonders for your mind and body, and once you have it as a habit, you won’t even have to think about it!
  2. Designate time for self-care every day. Even if it’s just 15 minutes. You deserve it!
  3. Do something you look forward to every week (examples: going to dinner with your friends every Friday, taking a relaxing bath every Saturday, spending time with your family every Sunday).

Whatever you practice, you eventually will get good at doing it. Create healthy habits that make you feel good, and continuously practice them. It’s nice to have something for yourself that lifts you up, especially when it becomes automatic!

 

Resources About Habits

Books:

  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
  • 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Habit Trackers (Apps):

  • Habitica
  • Productive habits & daily goals tracker
  • Way of Life – The Ultimate Habit Maker & Breaker

Bonus Youtube Video:

 

All the best,

Valencia Saint-Louis