The Art of Small Changes & Habit Stacking for Mental Health
Small things add up. This is a phrase that many people have heard, but few actually believe in. After all, it seems that major changes are necessary in order to achieve a better mental state. However, science shows that it is the small things that really matter. In fact, even something seemingly simple, like habit stacking, can have a major impact on one’s mental health.
If you're looking for ways to improve your mental health and overall well-being, then habit stacking may be the perfect solution for you. Adding small habits to your routine can greatly benefit your mental state, and help you take on the bigger challenges in life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the what, why, and how of habit stacking for mental health.
What is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking is a simple concept: it is the practice of adding small habits to your daily routine, one on top of the other. By doing this, you can create a chain of positive behaviors that will eventually become second nature. For example, let’s say you want to meditate every day, but always forget. By habit stacking, you can pair meditation with a habit you already do every day, like brushing your teeth. This way, you’ll remember to meditate each day, because it’s tied to a habit you’ve already established.
Why is Habit Stacking Important for Mental Health?
Habit stacking is fundamentally important for mental health, as it helps us create new, positive neural pathways in the brain. Our brains become wired to respond to certain stimuli, and if we consistently practice positive behaviors, these behaviors can become automatic. By practicing healthy habits, we can help our brains create healthy patterns that can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from establishing a new habit can be incredibly empowering.
How to Practice Habit Stacking
- Step 1: Identify your trigger point. Choose a habit you already do each day, like brushing your teeth or making coffee. This will be your “anchor” habit.
- Step 2: Choose the habit you wish to add to your routine, and attach it to your anchor habit. For example, if you want to meditate each day, do so after brushing your teeth in the morning.
- Step 3: Stay consistent. By repeating this new behavior each day, it will eventually become second nature. Over time, you can add more positive habits to your routine to further boost your mental health.
Some other examples of habits to stack:
- Drinking a glass of water after waking up
- Practicing deep breathing before bedtime
- Doing a quick workout video during lunch breaks
Conclusion
Habit stacking is a deceptively small change that can have a huge impact on your mental health. By practicing small daily habits, you can create new neural pathways in your brain to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Remember, consistency is key: make it a priority to practice your new habit each day, and eventually it will become second nature. If you're interested in taking your mental health to the next level, consider trying habit stacking - you might be surprised at just how much of a difference it can make. And for those looking for counseling in Winter Park, FL, contact Orlando Thrive Therapy to understand more about mental health.
