Habit-Stacking

 Have you heard of Habit-Stacking? It's been a pretty trendy topic the past few years though the practice of it is ingrained in our nature.

If you don't know what it is, this webpage can help you out, but how it is summarised on there is: 

"Habit stacking takes advantage of the areas of our lives that are already automatic and reliable. It’s a technique where you attach a new habit to one you already engage in consistently."

We all have habits, whether we intentionally consider them or not. So, the concept of recognising one we already do, having one we want to do, and intending on doing them together as an act of productive multi-tasking seems like a great idea!

I don't personally have experience with intentionally habit-stacking but I have certainly done it without realising. Everyday, either when snuggling with my son in the morning, or when we eat breakfast at the table, I do my Duolingo Spanish lessons. My son loves watching me and I love that subconscious learning he is doing while watching. In that very moment we are bonding, either snuggling or eating, learning together, and I am accomplishing my Spanish lesson. 

I also have heard and want to (though haven't consistently yet) do mental affirmations while brushing my teeth with my less dominant hand. Apparently, brushing your teeth with your less dominant hand makes it more mindful, causes you to brush more intentionally, re-wires your mind, and with the affirmations, the positive thoughts are then wired into those new neural pathways. I brush my teeth everyday, why not do that?

Even something as subtle as when I walk/jog with my dog, I listen to music that helps channel the feelings I have been trying to work through. It is a walking, music meditation while letting Sophie get her exercise.

I have heard from a decent amount of my personal-growth minded friends that they habit-stack and it's changed their lives. As someone who is finding my schedule to be more and more saturated by the day, the concept of mindfully multi-tasking definitely has its appeal.

What do you think? Do you have any daily routines that you can attach a habit to?

- Dani 💙💚