TIE NEW HABITS TO CURRENT HABITS
Think of something you already do every day, and add the new habit you want to that current habit. For example, people who keep sunscreen next to their toothbrushes are more likely to wear sunscreen every day. You’ re going to brush your teeth, so anchoring sunscreen to the existing habit helps you remember.
If you tend to come home from work and head straight for the kitchen for a snack, let that trip to the kitchen be your cue to get a drink of water instead of a bag of chips.
PLAN A CUE
Habits usually include three parts:
• A cue, such as the ringing of your wake-up alarm
• A response to the cue, such as hitting the snooze button
• A reward, such as getting 10 more minutes in bed
Set a new habit loop up for yourself. For example, decide that when your alarm goes off, you will put on your walking shoes. Once you’ ve got your walking shoes on, it’ s a small step to put on some clothes and head out the door for a ten minute walk in the time you used to spend snoozing.
Your reward? After a couple of weeks, you’ ll feel energized and happy that you took that walk. In the meantime, plan an enjoyable breakfast or another small treat for yourself when you get back from that walk.
With these 5 tips, you may find that your resolutions make a difference next year!
NUTRITION AND WELLNESS ISSUE | JANUARY 2026 7 OURHEALTHNWA. COM