my favorite habit stacking routine 🏃🏾‍♀️📖

Hey everyone! Following up on my post about combining reading with my treadmill workouts, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into why habit stacking has been such a game-changer for me, and how you can apply it to your own life. When I first heard about habit stacking, it sounded almost too simple, but trust me, it’s incredibly effective for building new habits without feeling overwhelmed. Basically, habit stacking is when you link a new habit you want to start with an existing habit you already do consistently. Think of it as piggybacking! Instead of trying to force yourself to do something completely new out of the blue, you simply attach it to something that’s already a natural part of your day. For me, my existing habit was getting on the treadmill (even if I dreaded it sometimes!), and my new desired habit was reading more. By saying, 'After I get on the treadmill, I will open my Kindle and read for 20 minutes,' I created a seamless flow. It made going to the gym less of a chore because I knew a good story was waiting for me. But my 'TREADMILL + reading' routine is just one example! The beauty of habit stacking is that it's super flexible and can be customized for any goal. Are you trying to drink more water? Try, 'After I brush my teeth in the morning, I will drink a large glass of water.' Want to meditate more? 'After I pour my morning coffee, I will meditate for five minutes.' Even small things like 'When I finish dinner, I will immediately load the dishwasher' can make a huge difference in keeping your home tidy. Here are a few tips I've learned that make habit stacking really stick: Identify Your Current Habits: Start by listing the things you do every single day without fail. Waking up, brushing your teeth, making coffee, eating lunch, commuting, getting home from work – these are all perfect anchors. Choose Your New Habit: What's one small change you want to make? Make it specific and achievable. Instead of 'exercise more,' try 'do 10 squats.' Find the Logical Link: Where does your new habit naturally fit into your existing routine? The stronger the connection, the easier it will be to remember and execute. For my 'habit stacking ROUTINE' of reading, the treadmill was perfect because I was already stationary for a period. Start Small: Don't try to stack too many things at once. Begin with one or two stacks and once they feel natural, you can add more. Be Patient & Consistent: It takes time for new habits to form. There will be days you forget, or don't feel like it. That's okay! Just get back on track the next day. This simple framework has truly transformed my healthy lifestyle, allowing me to integrate new, positive actions into my life without feeling like I'm adding extra burdens. Whether it's fitness, personal growth, or just daily chores, habit stacking is a powerful tool to build momentum and achieve your goals. Give it a try and let me know what routines you come up with!