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5 Easy Ways to Help Make Habit Building Easier

Writer's picture: Tina Belt, L.Ac. Dipl OMTina Belt, L.Ac. Dipl OM

A chalkboard that says good habits with an arrow pointing toward "good life"

Most people want to work on their health once the new year comes around but don’t know where to start. They know they need to change, but that can be scary, overwhelming, and involve a lot of unknowns.

 

Changing your health for the better will probably mean you have to change some of your habits. A lot of people struggle with this, but with the right tools you can conquer your health goals this year.

 

You don’t have to make a drastic change overnight. Making small, incremental changes can help you stay accountable and have more long-term success.

 

Let’s talk about the different strategies you can use to make your health goals a reality this year.

 

The Two Minute Rule

I’ve seen a lot of people feel defeated right off the bat because they think they have to make a 180 change overnight. This kind of thinking isn’t doing you any favors.

 

If your goal is to work out multiple times a week, but you struggle to make it to the gym, start with a small two-minute habit. Put on your tennis shoes and drive to the gym, even if you don’t work out, you’re starting to build up the habit you need to make the change.

 

If you drink a lot of soda, but don’t know how to go cold turkey, start replacing one of your sodas with water. You don’t have to cut out all soda right away, work your way toward drinking less.

 

Out of Sight Out of Mind

If a bad habit is immediately available to you, it’s going to be a lot harder to follow your new one. Pay attention to your environment and whether it’s helping or hurting your new habit.

 

If you want to eat healthier, what kinds of snacks are you keeping around the house? If you’re used to reaching for chips when you’re hungry, stop keeping them in the house. Make sure you have something healthy, like fruit, easily available.

 

If you want to drink less alcohol, don’t keep it in your house and avoid places you find yourself drinking at. Keep a healthier option around to reach toward when you get an itch, like sparking water.

 

Accountabilibuddies

Having someone to help keep you accountable can make a big difference. Find a friend who has the same goal as you and find ways to help each other follow your new habits.

 

You can have a call at the end of the day and share your successes and struggles. Support each other through both and discuss ways of sticking to your habit if you’re struggling.

 

If you want to work out more, find time to go to the gym with this person. You’re more likely to show up if there’s someone there waiting for you.

 

Celebrate with this person! You should always celebrate your wins, and making steps toward healthy habits deserves a reward.

 

How Habit Trackers Help

When you can visually see the progress you’re making, you’re more likely to stick to your new habits. It’s why a lot of apps have “streak” features, you get attached to your streak and don’t want to break it.

 

Keep a journal where you mark every day you followed through on your new habit. Watch as your streak grows for a fun and stimulating way to see how well you’re doing at your New Year’s resolutions.

 

Make it Fun

If you’re suffering through your new habits, you might not last very long. Make sure to find ways to enjoy your new healthy lifestyle.

 

If you’re trying to cut out sugary drinks, you can replace them with Dao Lab’s healthy fizzy drinks to double the health benefits. Not only are you consuming less sugar, but you’re getting a dose of herbal medicine too!

 

If you want to work out more, find a class that you genuinely enjoy going to. For bonus points, bring a friend with you so you’re held accountable for showing up.

 

 

Making new habits is hard, don’t beat yourself up. Your brain is wired to hold up these habits, but you can wire it to follow healthier ones.

 

Regardless of your new goals, you’ll need to continue supporting your health to make following new habits easier – it’s hard to think about new routines when you don’t feel good. Schedule an appointment when you feel you need it or to maintain your health to make sure you’re in the right space to reach your goals.

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