Building habits

Fun Fact: on average, it takes 66 days of practicing for a new habit (or new behaviour) to stick. For example, it can take two months to build the habit of eating a piece of fruit with lunch to the point that it is something that you do without having to think about. So, it is important to be patient and stay consistent when changing our habits or patterns of behaviour. We all want to see quick results! However, the more we are able to persist the more likely the new habit or behaviour will get easier and become part our regular routines.

Looking to start a new habit or behaviour? To help it stick, try adding it onto an already established one. For example, if you want to add mindfulness to your daily routine, try practicing it for two minutes while you brush your teeth. Once this is part of your morning or evening routine, you can decide if you want to extend the time and shift it to something you do for five minutes before or after you brush your teeth. We are more likely to establish a new habit or behaviour if we associate it with one that is already something we do regularly.