We’re all leading increasingly busy lives these days leaving us with seemingly less and less time for the little things. We get so stuck in our daily habits that we find it hard to get into a new routine or to build-in time for new activities.
This week though I’ve been reading about ‘habit stacking’, a simple life hack that could change your day forever. The trick, apparently, is to look at your everyday routine in detail and search for the things you practically do without thinking. Making your morning cup of tea, doing your home exercises before setting off for work, going on your lunch break, that sort of thing.
Next, work out the small things you wish you could fit in your day, such as a bit of extra networking or reading up on that new skillset you want to learn about. The key is finding which of your old daily habits you can attach the new ones too to maximise your time. For example, why not read up on the day’s new trends over breakfast, or pledge to send one email reaching out to a potential contact before starting work again after your lunch break?
The more you integrate the two tasks, the more like second nature it will become, as your brain makes a stronger connection between the two.
If you’re interested in understanding the scientific and neurological side of habit stacking then this article is an easy introduction. If not though, think of it as being a bit like supercharged multi tasking. Just imagine how much more you could do in a day with habit stacking?
Read more from Danielle and the DDCA team on the DDCA website.
Danielle Daily 