Happy New Year friends!

We’re kicking off 2024 talking about one of my favorite topics: Habit Stacking. 

James Clear talks about Habit Stacking in his best selling book, Atomic Habits. 

Essentially you take something you are already doing, and add the new desired habit on top of the existing habit. 

The correlation between time and/or location alerts your brain to trigger the new habit.  For example: “Each time I go upstairs, I bring up whatever is in the basket” or “every night after dinner I run the dishwasher.”

By building on an existing habit or routine, allows your brain to adopt the new habit easier than if you were to try to create the habit from scratch.

If you’re looking to create some healthy habits in 2024, I’ve outlined 5 different places for you to use as a jumping off point: 

01- First thing in the morning

If your peak productivity time is in the morning, you might look to build a new habit after you wake up, or shower, or brush your teeth, or make your bed, or have your coffee.

02-In the car

I always found that I am more inclined to follow through on something once I am already out.  So perhaps you might say, “After dropping the kids at school, I am going straight to the gym.” 

03–Before the kids come home–

Around three o’clock I often need a reset. Take a few minutes for yourself to straighten up, go for a quick walk, or prep dinner, so you can get in a healthy headspace before the second shift starts.  Even as little as 10-15 minutes can give you the margin to withstand the craziness that is about to ensue.

04-In the evening after dinner–

I don’t know about you, but I can be structured all day and by the end of the day I am toast!  All I want to do is lay on the couch with a glass (or bottle) of wine.  If you find that your house is a mess by the end of the day, consider trying to build a new habit that before you take the kids upstairs, you make sure the kitchen is clean, or school lunches are prepped.

05-Before Bed–

I’m a big fan of morning and evening routines. If you’re a night owl, or someone who has trouble falling asleep, this might be a good time for you to create a healthy new habit stack.

Remember to start small and be specific. The key to successful habit stacking is incremental change.  

2024 we’re here for ya!

XO

-Laurie

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