Step by step guide on how to create healthy habits that last
Lesson: Crafting New Habits with the Brainstorming Worksheet
Introduction:
By now, you're well-versed in understanding your triggers, identifying sabotaging thoughts, and adopting healthier mental patterns. The next step is weaving these insights into creating new habits. Remember that "jungle pathway" analogy from earlier? Now it's time to dig in—literally. We'll use the Brainstorming Worksheet to ensure you pick activities that bring you joy, which in turn, makes the habit stick.Objectives:
- Use the Brainstorming Worksheet to identify enjoyable activities that can replace old habits.
- Understand the concept of neural pathways and their role in forming new habits.
- Learn how to set small, achievable goals.
The Importance of Enjoyment:
Let's be real; if you don't like doing something, you're not going to stick with it for long. That's why the Brainstorming Worksheet is designed to help you list activities you genuinely enjoy that can serve as healthier alternatives to emotional eating.Neural Pathways and the Jungle Analogy:
Creating new habits involves forming new neural pathways in your brain, much like carving out a new path in a jungle. At first, it's going to be challenging to traverse this unfamiliar route, but with repetition, it becomes easier.Small Goals vs. Big Goals:
Too often, we aim for monumental changes and end up feeling overwhelmed. The trick is to start small.- Too Big: "I'm going to exercise for an hour every single day."
- Just Right: "I'll start with 10-minute workouts three times a week."
- Too Big: "I will never eat fast food again."
- Just Right: "I'll cook one homemade meal per week."
Activities:
- Brainstorming Worksheet: Use the worksheet to list activities that you enjoy, which can serve as alternatives to emotional eating. Make sure they're activities that you will realistically engage in.