There is a growing need for a comprehensive approach to health in an era where well-being is more important than ever before.
People often reevaluate their lifestyles at the start of a new year, but it is also important to reconsider seemingly harmless habits that may negatively impact overall health. While some habits may appear harmless, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in personal health, productivity, and happiness.
As humans we are creatures of habit. The formation of habits and how habits can be used to change long-term behaviour have been topics of discussion for years. More recently best-selling author and speaker James Clear coined the term habit-stacking – a method that one can use to create new habits by linking them to existing habits already hardwired into your brain. For example, if you are trying to get more steps, schedule a daily walk and stack it with something enjoyable you already habitually do, like catching up with your long-distance bestie.
Here are five habits for you to reconsider this year:
Excessive screen time
With the increasing reliance on digital devices, individuals find themselves spending extended periods in front of screens. Excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased productivity. Consider implementing screen breaks, setting device usage limits, and engaging in offline activities like exploring new hobbies, carving out regular meditation, exercise or selfcare sessions to strike a healthier balance.
When you are spending your free time on screen time, choose high-quality content that adds value to your life and avoid mindless scrolling or binge-watching. Reducing recreational screen time can be a healthy lifestyle choice, potentially improving sleep quality, reducing the risk of obesity, and ensuring that time is spent on more active or socially engaging activities.
Mindless snacking
Mindless snacking can be driven by a variety of mental and emotional factors. For some, eating could be a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or frustration. It can also become habitual, where the mind is trained to expect food at certain times of the day or in certain situations, regardless of hunger.
Become aware of your triggers and implement strategies to cope with emotions without using food. Instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks, consider incorporating nutritious alternatives that will help nourish and heal your body like fruits and nuts. Learning to practice mindful eating is also an important skill. Ensuring that you are truly present when having a meal can go a long way in changing daily habits to achieve long-term health benefits. Pay attention to the taste, texture, and sensations of food, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
Irregular sleep patterns
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule often takes a backseat. Irregular sleep patterns can negatively impact your overall health and cognitive function. Recharge Dayz is a great way of helping Momentum Multiply members measure sleep recovery and stress upon waking. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, can significantly improve the quality of rest and overall well-being. Try incorporating calming nighttime rituals like a soothing cup of herbal tea, a magnesium-rich bath, or light meditation before you end the night.
Procrastination
People procrastinate for different reasons of which can include perfectionism, fear of failing or a general lack of motivation. Procrastination is a common habit that can hinder personal and professional growth. Understanding the reasons behind why you procrastinate can help in developing strategies to counteract procrastination and foster more productive habits.
Setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and creating a structured timeline can help overcome procrastination. Embracing a proactive approach to challenges fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts overall productivity.
Limited physical activity
Finding personal reasons that resonate strongly with your values, lifestyle, and preferences is a great motivation for keeping physically active, such as wanting to set a good example for family, friends, or your children.
Introducing regular physical activity into your daily routine is crucial for maintaining overall optimal health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, home workouts, or organised fitness classes, finding enjoyable ways to stay active is key to a healthier lifestyle. Once established, the routine of regular physical activity can be self-sustaining as it becomes a natural part of your lifestyle.
“Our goal has always been to create and reward healthy habits that help guide people on their journey towards a healthier and happier future. By making a collective commitment to positive change, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond the individual and extends to benefit families, communities, and society at large”, says Márcia Eugénio, Head of Momentum Multiply.
By addressing these harmless habits, you can create a foundation for improved well-being, increased productivity, and a more fulfilling life.
For more information about Momentum Multiply, visit the Multiply website, and get rewarded from day one for every step you take towards better health.
