Lasting Wellness: 8 Tips for Healthy Habits

Dec 06, 2023Thomas K

Taking control of your health and quality of life involves recognizing the significant impact daily habits can have.

Establishing healthier routines can lower your risk for various health issues, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and stroke.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that creating healthy habits requires planning and effort—it's not an instant fix. Let's explore practical tips on how to develop sustainable and attainable healthy habits.

Understanding Habits

Habits are ingrained actions that we perform almost unconsciously, like brushing our teeth or having a morning coffee.

However, habits that provide instant gratification, such as drinking or extended video gaming, can reshape brain chemistry, making it challenging to break unhealthy patterns.

Creating healthier habits often feels like an uphill battle, primarily because humans are creatures of habit. Despite knowing the benefits of healthier choices, these changes may not stick.

Behavioral scientists suggest that common approaches, like New Year's resolutions, often fail because we might be taking on too much at once, skipping crucial steps for success.

8 Tips for Building Healthy Habits

Understanding and altering behaviors necessitate a thoughtful strategy. According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, recognizing patterns and implementing targeted changes can lead to successful habit modification.

Beyond this, delving into behavioral patterns involves a profound self-awareness journey. Psychologists from Harvard Health Publishing advocate for understanding the root causes of habits.

This could involve introspection into stressors, triggers, or emotional responses that drive certain behaviors.

Developing a plan, as suggested by health experts at Dartmouth College, is a multifaceted process that involves goal setting, identifying potential obstacles, and enlisting the support of friends or family.

Be Patient and Stay on Track

Patience is a virtue in habit formation. A review in the Annual Review of Psychology emphasizes the importance of acknowledging setbacks and maintaining a positive attitude.

In addition to acknowledging setbacks, being patient with oneself involves understanding that habit formation is a gradual process.

Insights from the National Institute of Mental Health shed light on the complexity of mental health challenges, such as depression, ADHD, and anxiety, which can complicate habit development. Seeking support from professionals is crucial in navigating these challenges.

Tracking progress, as suggested by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, can offer valuable insights. Implementing self-reflection tools, such as journals or health apps, provides a tangible way to monitor progress and celebrate small victories.

Curb Instant Gratification

Resisting impulsive behaviors is explored in a study published in Psychological Science, which highlights the connection between instant rewards and unhealthy habits. T

he journey to curb instant gratification involves a deep dive into understanding the brain's reward system.

The American Psychological Association offers insights into coping mechanisms for dealing with impulsive thoughts.

Developing strategies to focus on long-term benefits and visualizing positive outcomes is a psychological process outlined by experts in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Try CBD

Integrating CBD products into your routine may support various habit-forming goals. Research in the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD's potential in post-exercise muscle recovery.

The exploration of CBD's impact on stress and addictive behaviors is a multifaceted journey.

Studies from the Journal of Clinical Psychology and the Journal of Addiction Medicine provide insights into the potential benefits of CBD in managing stress and aiding in addiction recovery.

Incorporating CBD into one's routine requires an understanding of its various forms, such as edibles, and their potential impacts on specific habits.

Start with Small Changes

Stanford University's B.J. Fogg, in his book "Tiny Habits," advocates for starting small to make habits more attainable. Incremental adjustments, supported by research in the Journal of Applied Psychology, can lead to more sustainable changes.

The process of starting with small changes involves a psychological shift in how individuals perceive habit formation.

Behavioral scientists suggest that breaking down larger goals into smaller, more achievable steps reduces the psychological burden and enhances the likelihood of success. Implementing such changes requires a combination of self-awareness and strategic planning.

Make It Easier on Yourself

Reducing friction in habit formation is detailed in Dr. Wendy Wood's book, "Good Habits, Bad Habits.

The concept is further explored in a study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology, emphasizing the impact of minimizing obstacles. Making it easier on oneself involves an environmental analysis of daily routines and identifying potential obstacles.

As detailed by researchers, the concept of "friction" represents the psychological and physical resistance individuals face in adopting new habits.

Strategies to reduce this friction involve practical steps, such as laying out workout clothes the night before or preparing healthy lunches in advance.

Pair New Habits with Old Ones

Piggybacking new habits onto established routines is supported by research in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily activities, as explored in the Journal of Happiness Studies, makes the adoption of new habits smoother.

The process of pairing new habits with old ones involves a cognitive restructuring of daily routines. Experts suggest that leveraging existing habits creates a seamless integration process.

For example, if the goal is to incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, pairing it with an existing habit like brewing morning coffee creates a natural association.

Don't Forget to Reward Yourself

The relationship between habits and rewards is explored in a study from Neuron, emphasizing the role of rewards in sustaining positive behavior. Recognizing achievements, as suggested by the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, reinforces the habit-forming process.

The psychological aspect of rewarding oneself involves understanding the concept of positive reinforcement.

Creating a system of rewards that align with individual goals ensures that the habit-forming process is not only disciplined but also enjoyable. The exploration of rewards could involve both intrinsic factors, such as a sense of accomplishment, and extrinsic factors, such as treating oneself to a favorite activity.

Bottom Line

Forming lasting healthy habits involves understanding your behaviors, planning, patience, and smart strategies.

CBD may complement these efforts, and small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. Organic Grit is committed to supporting your wellness journey, offering resources on CBD and its potential benefits. While creating healthy habits may seem challenging, the view from the top is worth the effort.