Ctrl Shift Your HABITS
Are you ready to create new habits?
Deciding to adopt new habits sounds good on paper, but in reality it can be challenging to put them into motion. How many times have you tried to exercise on a regular basis, only to find yourself back on the couch after few days or weeks. To be honest, I am guilty of it myself.
Let me share with you 7 strategies that will make implementing and maintaining new habits easier for your growth this Spring.
Chose the time & place. Many positive habits will be centered on a time, place or both. When you set a specific time and place to perform your new habits is key to become a regular part of life. EXAMPLE: Exercise in the morning before work or mediation in evening in the spare room.
Start with one habit at a time. It is natural to resist change or get super excited and want to implement everything all at once. Trying to change too much at once can create barriers towards lasting change. Simply Begin with a single habit. When you are performing and that habit is reliable, then add another. I encourage you to continue this until you have incorporate all the habits that you believe will relive your stress and promote balance in your life. Donโt forget to extend compassion as some new habits take longer than others. That is completely okay!
Start with the easier habit first. Yes, you have control over which habit that your will start with and with starting with the easier first, increases your odds of success. Start with the easiest to perform religiously to promote mastery. The little burst of success will encourage you to add more.
Understand your why. Consider each habit and what it will add to your life. If you are unable to see the benefit in a particular habit, you will be unlikely to stick with it. Remind yourself of the importance of the habit increases your chances in of being successful in this area whether is personal development, occupational, financial, recreational, etc.
Reward yourself. As you reach each milestone. Take a moment to cheer yourself on, dance party, praise break or reward just yourself. Keep it small but do it often (a weekly check is highly suggested).
Focus for 30 Days. It takes 21 to 30 days to create a new habit. Do everything that you can do to successfully get through the next 30 days. What would June 1 look like if you went hard on goals, new habits for 30 days or intentions. Whew! That will be a great feeling. I also want to share with you be easy if you miss a day or two, offer yourself compassion and get back on it on the next day.
Have Reminders. Habits are easier to create if we have something to remind us to do them. A good trigger is something that automatically happens each day. EXAMPLE: Get up, get dressed up, put on make up, drink coffee. What will your reminders look like?
Prepare. Setting new habits will require planning. If you are going to exercise in the morning, set alarm to wake up earlier, have your workout clothes at the end of the bed. Planning ahead and implement the necessary preparation to ensure your success.
New Habits can be challenging to develop, but strategies will make it go smoothly. You are invited to a free 15 minute consultation if you need a jump start on developing and reaching new habits in mental wellness.
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Your Partner in Balance & Wellness,
Shayla Peterson, LCSW, LISW-CP