How to Develop a New Healthy Habit

Motivation gets you started. Habit keeps you going.

How to Develop a New Healthy Habit

Healthy habits are beneficial behaviors to one’s physical or mental health because of a link to strong discipline and self-control. According to psychologists, it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Whether you’re interested in developing a new habit like working out in the morning or committing to a specific diet, thankfully, there is a possibility and hope to follow. Along with patience and time, here are five ways you can easily develop a new healthy habit for your greater good.

1. Understand your habit

Before diving into your new commitment, try to understand why you’d like to achieve this new healthy habit and what you’ll gain from it. This allows you to pick out ways to overcome challenges and what to do differently in your routine plan.

2. Be accountable to yourself

Hold yourself accountable to your new habit. Always be on the lookout for triggers and find ways that are best for you to keep on this new habit. Leave reminders on your work desk or on your bathroom mirror so you can see them first thing in the morning. Get your family and friends involved too, so they can support and remind you of your new habit.

3. Start small and simple

Developing a new healthy habit shouldn’t be miserable at all. Have fun with it and find ways to keep it exciting and rewarding. It’s okay not to be perfect and don’t beat yourself up till you’re overwhelmed. Start with small goals and gradually get into the groove of things. If your new habit is waking up earlier, try setting your times earlier and earlier each day. Don’t expect to wake up at 5 AM right off the back.

4. Find the counter-action(s)

Once you’ve found out your triggers or challenges that’ll get in the way of your habit, tackle them immediately in ways that’ll keep you focused. Triggers are what cause the action and are commonly a feeling; “I’m tired,” “I’m bored,” “I’m sad,” etc. Mentally and physically train yourself to resist the urge against your obstacles with lots of patience and time.

5. Reward yourself

You should be proud of yourself for even making the choice to better yourself! Have a calendar or journal to log your progress. This is so you can look back on your progress through the weeks and months and see how much you’ve grown. Remember to reward yourself and celebrate your accomplishments!