Have you read James Clear’s book Atomic Habits? It’s a good one if you’re looking for a new book to start. Here’s one of my favorite lines:
“Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” - James Clear.
This quote resonates with me because it
Gives permission to keep new habits simple
Releases the pressure valve to make major changes
Allows for breathing room and time for adaptation
Yes, you already know that I have some ideas!
Keeping it simple - get outside for 2-10 minutes in the early day and late evening for sunlight. Take your coffee, tea, or toast with you. Doing so can help with focus and improve sleep/wake cycles. Highly recommend checking out Dr. Andrew Huberman’s podcast on getting sunlight to learn more about this protocol.
Release the pressure valve to exercise when you’re feeling like a sad sloth and having a hard time getting daily movement - park at the back of the parking lot or walk into the coffee shop rather than the drive thru. While I love a good dopamine release from finding a front parking spot or getting to the front of the line, parking at the back and walking into the store can increase NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), which can positively impact metabolic rate.
Adaptation - if you forget to floss before brushing your teeth, try flossing earlier in the cool-down, night-time ritual - like before washing your face.
A little bit of all three - Instead of practicing 60 minute classes every day, try 10 minutes. I’m a big fan of reminding folks that you can string together your favorite poses anytime you want, but if you want guidance + visuals, check out my free classes available on Youtube, or become a member on my Yoga + Movement membership site.
Maybe choose one or two of those ideas up there. Try it out for a little while. It’s the seemingly small things that add up to be game-changers. Before you know it, you’ve created a new healthy habit with stackable benefits.
You got this.
- Megan Spears
