For many people, there is a feeling that life is simply something we have to get on with. If you find yourself sometimes wondering what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Our mind determines how we go about our lives, and we have been conditioned by the world around us to approach life in a negative fashion.
You might not realize this as it is simply something we do unconsciously. We come across roadblocks in life every now and then, obstacles put in place by our minds. Yet there are ways you can change your life and get more out of it, and you can begin today.
In this short article, we will be looking at how habits can have a great effect on our lives, and particularly on the process known as ‘habit stacking.’ What is habit stacking, and how will it affect your life? Let’s have a look!
What is Habit Stacking?
Procrastination is something that our mind pushes us into. The simple fact is we tend to procrastinate about small things. Small things that are essential and helpful. Imagine your day planned out as a ‘to do’ list. What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? Brush your teeth, perhaps, or maybe you have a few minutes of exercise. That’s your first habit.
Now, what if you could group together a series of small actions, some of which you regularly forget so that the first habit – which you already formed – inspires you to perform the rest? Science has proven that if we force ourselves to adopt a group of habits – which is what habit stacking is about – they become almost automatic within about one month. Let’s move on and look at how habit stacking benefits you.
What Will Habit Stacking Do for Me?
We mentioned a series of habits to get through in the morning. Yet habit stacking isn’t just about the morning. Imagine you’re at work, and the day is coming to a close. What is the last thing you do before you get up and go home? Perhaps you switch off your computer? You can build a stack of small habits inspired by the fact you are about to switch off.
In the few minutes before, you could plan your next day at work, write reminders of who you have meetings with, and create a stack of small habits that make it easier for you to start work in the morning. The benefit here is time-saving and a lack of procrastination.
An Example of Habit Stacking
Think of it this way: what do you do when you get in your car? You have an unconscious order of small acts before you start moving. You close the door, put your seat belt on, depress the clutch, start the engine, put the car into gear, and release the brake. When you’re driving, you also have a series of habits that you go through.
The advantage of habit stacking is that it helps you to do things you may forget to do. If you take medication or vitamins, for example, you could link this to brushing your teeth: ‘I’ve brushed my teeth, now I must take my vitamins.’ And so on.
Try it for yourself. Make a physical list of the small things that you do every day – or should do, such as exercise, your health routines, and so on – and start creating a routine. You’ll find life becomes a lot less stressful, and then you can start working on your physical and emotional health to improve your life for the better.
Interesting Related Article: “An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Healthy Sleep Habits“