There’s nothing like waking up to a day with absolutely nothing on the calendar. The possibilities are endless but the fun of a clean day only really comes into play when you have a good habit to fall back on. It’s surprising how often having time for everything leads to achieving nothing. In a word: habits are good for us. Surname improve our mental health, helps us not to think too much and can even create life feel more meaningful. That being said, the art of how to stick to a routine is a bit less obvious.
One thing that always helps me structure my day — especially when I’m transitioning from a more demanding office schedule to working from home — is thinking about the things I want to prioritize as thoughtful habits. unique. If a certain exercise feels good at a particular time of day, I repeat it over and over again. I’ve taken a similar approach to figure out when I’m most productive with my computer. “If the behavior helps you, if there is positive reinforcement, you are more likely to do it again,” says clinical neuropsychologist Daryaneh Badaly. explain to National Geography last year. “Then it becomes a repetitive behavior, and that becomes a habit.”
Now that we have a new year full of untapped potential ahead, this is the perfect time to start forming a habit that will help you accomplish your goals. Read on for some practical tips that can help you stick with it.
Give meaning to a habit.
Habits are good for our overall mental health, but they can also help pave the way towards a specific goal. Declare your ambitions for the year and create habits that can help you achieve them.
Start natural.
It’s a rare person who can completely transform their life on January 1. Look at some of the positive things you’re doing and build from there. It doesn’t have to be about doing something completely new, but devote more energy and attention to the things that already work for you. You’ve probably adhered to better habits than you thought.
Give yourself some time.
Habits don’t form instantly. It is typical take a repeat month to build a lasting habit.
Be prepared.
Treat the first day of a routine like the first day of school. Make sure you have everything you could possibly need to set yourself up for success.
Structure your day.
Determine what you want to accomplish in the morning, afternoon, and night. Then take it one portion at a time during the day.
Fuel yield.
Literally. Eat healthy and balanced meals to replenish brain energy and help you focus.
Find a way to track your progress.
Use something visual to mark the daily commit.
Make sure “me time” is part of your routine.
Especially in the morning. Get in tune with yourself (preferably without a phone) before taking on the world.
Let the alarm work for you.
Give yourself enough time in the morning to accomplish your goals.
Keep everything in order.
A clean workspace is a productive workspace.
Make plans effectively with friends.
Accountability is key. Plus, it’s usually more enjoyable to exercise, study, or do any activity with a friend.
Create variations depending on how you feel.
Some days can feel more energized than others. Consider adjusting your routine to fit your mood.
Celebrate small victories.
Even creating a habit out of a seemingly trivial thing, like remembering to put on SPF sunscreen every morning, is totally worth your while.
Don’t be afraid to change direction.
If a particular aspect of your habit consistently falls into place, you don’t have to admit defeat. You probably never feel like meditating first thing in the morning — try doing it at a different time of day, adjust the amount of time you spend on it, or consider finding an alternative that works. Equivalent value may be more suitable for you.
Let’s cut yourself a little slack.
Everyone tends to be a bit ambitious with their goal setting. If you miss a workout or don’t have time to log a day, you’ll be allowed to use a few free passes. Just scroll with it.
Leave room for spontaneity.
Sticking to a routine shouldn’t be tiring – if it does, it won’t be sustainable.
What is your advice for keeping a routine?
