If you’re anything like me, you likely have a list of things that you’d like to accomplish and what better way to do so than to create a list of new year’s resolutions a mile long, right? Wrong! I’ve learned that staggering my approach and stacking new habits into my existing routine over time have been a far better way to implement my self-improvement to-do list.
For example, if one of my goals is to eat healthier, I further break that down into specific, realistic and measurable items. This includes paying attention to food labels, eliminating added sugar, avoiding processed foods, and sticking to a whole food diet 5 out of 7 days per week. To help with this, if I can’t make it to the Calgary Farmer’s Market, I stick to the perimeter of the grocery store, avoiding the jarred, boxed and packaged temptations that lurk within the aisles.
When in doubt, I simply ask myself, is what I am about to eat harmful or helpful when it comes to accomplishing my goal? This simple question can be adjusted for any goal and is usually enough to steer my decisions in the right direction. Full disclosure, sometimes I cave (damn ju-jubes), but most of the time I stick with the plan.
When it comes to increasing the amount of time I spend practicing (and not teaching) yoga, I have found that participating in a 30 day challenge at a local studio is a great way to kick start this habit into my routine. Having a community of like minded individuals support me on my wellness journey not only encourages me, it also helps keep me accountable. If you live in Calgary or Edmonton, Metta Yoga hosts two 30 challenges per year, usually in March and November.
Another helpful way to incorporate change into your routine is to consider a concept known as habit-stacking. This is where you add a desired activity, such as drinking more water, onto an already established habit. For me, this involves drinking 8oz of water before and 8oz after my morning coffee. Since I never start a day without my coffee, by stacking the habit of drinking water on either side of it, it’s easier for me to remember to do it. To learn more about this concept, pick up the book Atomic Habits, written by James Clear.
Since I spend the majority of my work day seated at my desk, I use a balance ball chair and incorporate exercises throughout the day such as hip rolls and leg lifts. I have found that this not only helps with combating low back pain, but also with improving my posture, core strengthening and stability. You could also consider an ‘under the desk’ elliptical or treadmill to help beat the sedentary lifestyle that accompanies an office job.
The moral of the story is, never underestimate the power of micro-wellness behaviours, stacked over time into your wellness routine. Change is easy, it’s consistency that’s hard! So start by selecting one thing that you’d like to change and stick with it until it becomes a habit. Then, layer on the next goal!
What are some tips that you use to keep yourself on track when it comes to accomplishing your wellness goals?
Nourish Your Body, Mind + Soul 