Habits: Are You Getting it Right?

Habits are routines and things that we do on a regular basis, some knowingly and some unknowingly. They can make our lives better or worse, depending on the types of habits we have.

But what is a habit, and why do we need habits in our lives?

According to researchers at Duke University, habits account for about 40 percent of our behaviours on any given day. Understanding how to build new habits (and how your current ones work) is essential for making progress in your health, your happiness, and your life in general.

There are many ways to categorize habits: mental, physical, or emotional habits; motor, intellectual, and character-building habits, etc. Habits can be done in the morning, at night, once a week, twice a day—you name it!

Some of the most #beneficialhabits are those that help us achieve our goals, improve our skills, and enhance our well-being. For example, reading, exercising, meditating, and learning are all good habits that can boost our personal and professional growth.

But how do we build good habits and break bad ones?

There are many strategies and tips that can help us do that, such as:

• Choose one habit that you want to work on, and make it easy and simple to do. Repeat it every day until it becomes automatic and effortless.
• Use triggers and rewards. Find a cue or a reminder that will prompt you to do your habit, such as a time, a place, or an event. Then, give yourself positive reinforcement or a reward after you do your habit, such as a compliment, a treat, or a celebration. (As simple as eating a banana!??)
• Track and measure your progress. Keep a record of your habit and how often you do it, using a calendar, a journal, or an app. This will help you to stay motivated, accountable, and focused on your goal.
• Join or create a habit community. Find or form a group of people who share your habit or goal and support each other along the way. You can join or create online or offline communities, such as forums, groups, chats, or clubs.

These are just some of the many general tips and recommendations. Remember, everyone has their own factors to consider, so find what works best for you!

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