NYE 2024!

 Why Habit Stacking Works: My Morning and Evening Routines

I am referencing James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, once again. He emphasizes that New Year’s resolutions often fail because they rely on motivation rather than systems. By linking new habits to existing ones, I’ve created morning and evening rituals that support my health, productivity, and well-being. Here’s a glimpse into my habit stacks and why they work.

The Power of Habit Stacking

The beauty of these routines lies in their simplicity and consistency. Each habit builds on the previous one, creating a flow that becomes almost automatic over time. For example, stepping outside in the morning naturally leads to brushing my teeth, and reading at night cues me to take my medicine and prepare for the next day.

By designing my routines around habit stacking, I’ve taken the guesswork out of daily decisions, allowing me to focus my energy on more important tasks. If you’re struggling to maintain your own resolutions or routines, start small and anchor new habits to existing ones. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent.

I am still getting used to these habits, especially with my sleep being inconsistent. I am excited to reap these benefits as they become automatic.

Morning Habits

  1. 10 Minutes Outside

    • Spending the first 10 minutes of the day outdoors helps wake me up and align my body with natural light, which is essential for regulating circadian rhythms. Fresh air and sunlight also set a positive tone for the day. This also helps me get to 10,000 steps!

  2. Brush Teeth

    • A straightforward but essential habit, brushing my teeth not only contributes to oral health but also signals the start of my day.

  3. Isometric Exercises (Isos)

    • Isometric exercises are fantastic for tendon health helping some previous knee issues and helps me get ready for the day. I’ve been inspired by Jake Tuura’s Instagram, where he shares tips on incorporating isometrics for long-term resilience and performance.

  4. Morning Medicine

    • I take levothyroxine every morning to support my thyroid health. Taking it consistently ensures it works effectively. I need to take this by itself without food so remembering to take it reinforces IF. 

Evening Habits

  1. Clean for 10 Minutes

    • Spending 10 minutes tidying up each evening keeps my space organized and reduces stress. It’s amazing what a difference a short burst of effort can make. Sometimes this doesn't make a difference with all of the kiddos... but every bit helps. 

  2. Read 10 Pages

    • Reading before bed calms my mind and helps me wind down. It also limits screen time, which is critical for better sleep, and reinforces my commitment to lifelong learning.

  3. Evening Medicine

    • My evening medicine includes iron, which I take with dinner to avoid bathroom issues. This timing ensures my body absorbs it properly while minimizing side effects.

  4. Lay Out Clothes

    • Preparing my outfit for the next day eliminates decision fatigue in the morning and streamlines my routine.

  5. Brush Teeth

    • A second session of brushing ensures oral health and signals to my brain that it’s time to transition to sleep mode.


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