Habits are the building blocks of wellbeing. So how do you establish good habits to support your wellbeing and make them stick? Read on to learn more.
We frequently start the new year with an expectation to be better, fitter, healthier, increase our exercise, but in reality changing habits is challenging.
Contrary to popular belief, habits take 18 to 254 days to change.
Our habits are the building blocks of our wellbeing. Habits are the small decisions you make and actions you perform every day.
"Rather than expecting yourself to do everything to perfection, set small goals that feel almost easy, but are repeatable." Altius Group Wellbeing Specialist, Sharon Richens
Habits account for 40% of our behaviours on any given day - Duke University
As we continue to adapt to the impact of COVID -19 on our daily life, albeit that restrictions are easing in varying degrees around the country, this is an ideal time to reflect and “reset”.
So how can you establish good habits to support your wellbeing?
1) Choose keystone habits
Keystone habits are healthy habits that automatically lead to multiple positive behaviours and effects in different areas.
Common keystone habits are: getting enough sleep, and regular exercise daily.
Research also shows that planning, results in an increased likelihood of success.
For instance, if your goal is to walk in the morning before work, getting your exercise clothes ready the night before increases the likelihood of getting out the door for a walk.
There will be less decisions and distractions to make in the morning, and being prepared will help you act on your intention.
Consider what actions you can do ahead of time to set yourself up for success.
2) Set small, achievable goals and repeat
Setting ourselves up for success means being realistic about what behaviour change we can achieve. Rather than expecting yourself to do everything to perfection, set small goals that feel almost easy, but are repeatable.
- Perhaps your starting point is setting a regular sleep schedule - you can set an alarm on your phone at 9.30pm , with the aim of being in bed by 10pm.
- Or maybe your goal is to get out in the sun for a brisk 10 minute walk at lunchtime. If you miss a lunch time walk, re-set the following day and continue with your plan.
Aim for progress, not perfection.
3) Make yourself accountable
Sharing your commitment to new habits helps you stick to them.
"Accountability increases the likelihood of success when creating new habits. Tell a friend, a work colleague or family member about the habit you are focusing on". Altius Group Wellbeing Specialist, Sharon Richens
For example: If you are wanting to decrease your coffee intake from 3 coffees per day to 2 coffees to improve your sleep at night – share your goal with a work colleague to help keep you on track.
It’s the small, simple things we do everyday that can enhance our wellbeing.
Sharon Richens, Wellbeing specialist at Altius Group works with small, medium and large organisations to assist employees with wellbeing and habit change.
To learn more about tailoring a Workplace Wellbeing module to suit your workforce, please contact us on 1800 258 487.
