Tips for Changing Habits

Habits are the daily routines that we don't even think about. It saves energy and stress for the brain to have routine patterns to our lives. The more decisions we have to make about little things, the less energy we may have to focus on work or for important decisions.

Planning routine actions in advance can help by having already made the decisions about the actions before being in a rush to get to work or school on time. Having an outfit clean and ready the night before an early day; lunch ready to go in the refrigerator; and a quick morning routine for getting dressed, having breakfast, and getting out the door, can leave you relaxed and on time for the early appointment.

New habits can be easier to stick with when you add the new behavior to a current routine - need to take a medication or vitamin daily? Try leaving the bottle next to your toothbrush and always take it in the morning after brushing your teeth. Substituting a new action for a habit that you want to stop may make it easier to change the routine than focusing only on stopping an old habit - want to quit smoking? Substitute going for a very short walk instead.

Writing down a goal with an action plan and timeline can help and then tallying the goal behavior on a daily checklist for a month or two can help reinforce the new habit long

• More information about changing old habits or making new ones is available here: The 3 R's of Habit Change: How to Start New Habits that Really Stick, jamesclear.com.

• Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.