Small changes create better habits.
Breaking bad habits and building better ones is easier said than done. Changing a bad habit into a good one is easier said than done.
We can fall into bad habits, and not even realize it! Initially using too much time on social media, putting off to-do lists, or not exercising or going to sleep on time might not be problematic. However, these behaviours have the potential to impact productivity over time, health and well-being. To develop good habits, you need to identify what makes you do unwanted behaviour, and what you can do to eliminate it. With consistent, small changes people can build their routines to be healthy, and make lasting changes to their daily lives.
What makes it challenging to stop bad habits?
How come people find it hard to break bad habits? It’s the repetition of doing something that makes it a habit. If a behaviour brings comfort, a pleasant or a quick simple sensation to the brain, then the brain learns that it is a rewarding experience. The behaviour then can become automatic.
For instance, if you continuously check your phone when you’re bored, you can create the habit of continuously scrolling your device. The same goes for avoiding challenging tasks, as it can appear to give you a short-term break and make it more probable that you’ll procrastinate again. To make a change, it is important to recognise these patterns. It is easier to determine what to change and healthier responses when you know the triggers that can trigger a habit.
Start Small to Build Better Habits
Attempting to make more than one change at a time may seem like too much work. Individuals can choose to incorporate physical activity, better nutrition and early rising, while decreasing screen time all at once, only to find they have a hard time keeping all the changes going. A little success is more likely to be achieved at first. Mornings, evenings, before bed or 10 minutes before you leave in the morning for the school day to find something to do is a good way to get into the right mood.
Counting on smaller actions is easier and less effort than on bigger ones. As they become de facto, they will be able to grow into custom that will help a more healthy as well as organized lifestyle.
Focus on changing bad habits to healthier ones
Substituting an unhealthy habit for a healthy habit makes it easier to break the cycle of the unhealthy habit. Whilst preventing some undesirable behavior, try to determine the need that is being fulfilled and then satisfy that need in another way. For example, a person who relax using social media might listen to music, read a book or spend some time outdoors. Someone who is a procrastinator may break up a large project into smaller components in order to make it less daunting.
Having positive alternatives readily available can also help to increase consistency as well. It can be helpful to have a book handy, get your workout outfits ready and have your phone muted or turned off for any unnecessary notifications.
Develop an environment conducive to change
Choices are impacted by the surrounding environment. Having a telephone next to the bed can draw you into checking your social media at night, and a cluttered desk can make it harder to focus. Making healthy choices may be easier with some simple changes. With a specific workspace, and screen time apps that limit how much time you spend on your devices, there are ways to decrease common distractions.
Once you’ve created a new routine, it’s important to stick to it too. Using a calendar, or checklist, is a great way to keep track of progress and have a way to look back on what improvements are being made. The day doesn’t count if a child misses, but it’s important that he or she gets back into the routine and makes small steps.
To achieve consistency, set clear goals and stick with them
Well defined, clear and realistic goals give direction in creating better habits. Don’t resolve to be more productive, instead, pick one behaviour change, for example, make a list of the most important things to do each day in the morning or do one thing before social media or surf the web. Often a new habit can be easier to remember by piggybacking it onto an old habit. Small changes in daily routine, such as reading after meals, stretching after brushing teeth or putting clothes on before going to bed can be easy ways to embed positive behaviours into daily routines.
Motivation can fluctuate each day and with it will vary a person’s ability to make progress. When enthusiasm wanes, maintaining consistency is important and can be achieved through establishing effective processes and minimizing distractions while understanding personal motivations for change.
Small Changes Can Make a Significant Impact
The process of breaking bad habits and establishing new ones takes time and is an incremental process that requires patience, awareness and effort. A knowledge of the triggers for unhealthy habits, finding a healthier alternative to them, and making changes to the environment and setting realistic goals can make positive change maintainable.
Don’t have to change your entire life style in an instant. Implement one habit, work on improving and learn from mistakes. By over time, small actions can build up to consistent routines which could lead to improved productivity, well-being and a more balanced lifestyle.
