What is habit stacking, exactly?
LOUISE BEAUMONT / Getty Images
Starting a new habit (or changing an old one) isn’t easy.
Habit stacking is one kind of genius tactic that works wonders.
LOUISE BEAUMONT / Getty Images
It involves pairing the new habit you want to establish with one that you already have.
When it comes toADHD, its important to develop habits that help managesymptoms.
These habits may include healthy lifestyle practices likediet, physical activity, and goodsleep hygiene.
The problem is that people with ADHD often have a more difficult time forminghealthy lifestylehabits.
you might use this strategy to get more organized, manage stress, and create healthy lifestyle patterns.
It takes time and a little planning, but working on it progressively can pay off over time.
What Is Habit Stacking?
Researchers suggest that it takes advantage of cue saliencethe old habit cues the new one.
For example, let’s say you want to make regular flossing a habit.
Since you already brush your teeth every morning, you might add flossing to your morning ritual.
Over time, flossing will become just as regular for you as brushing.
The truth is that committing to behavior is not as simple as it seems.
Forming a habit takes time and, often, multiple attempts.
This is where habit stacking can help.
All of these different behaviors will eventually become amorning routine.
Benefits of Habit Stacking
Habit stacking can have several important benefits.
It also helps keep things simple.
Doing so requires less mental energy, freeing up some of that mental space to tackle other important tasks.
It can also be helpful for people with ADHD.
Determine the present habit you hope to form and reflect on how this habit enhances your life.
Think about changes in your life that will help you reach your goals.
For some, that might mean squeezing in some exercise during their lunch break or while watching TV.
For others, it might mean listening to a language learning podcast while they make dinner.
Give It Time
This is the part that most people find challenging.
No matter what,habits take time to build.
Accept Failure
It is okay if you do not get it right the first time.
So do your best not to give up and keep trying until you hit a home run.
Get Organized
Gettingorganizedmay sound hard if becoming organized is the new habit you are trying to pursue.
Don’t Overdo It
Be realistic with your habit stacking.
Do not choose to stack too many habits all at once.
Be sure to focus on one new behavior at a time.
If you find it too much to keep up with, return to that first habit.
If you’re struggling, prioritize keeping your original habit choice instead of others you may have added on.
It is not about how much you stack but about bettering your life.
Takeaways
Implementing a new habit into one’s life isnt an easy thing.
It usually takes multiple attempts for a habit to stick.
