Creating healthy habits that stick with you

There is a wise woman adage that says that if we give ourselves all the nourishment that we need, our bodies will cleanse and heal on their own. I very much believe in this adage, as I have seen it work in my own life and countless times in others. Our conscious minds think they run the show, but really the part of you that is aware of thinking and feeling is just one aspect of a greater intelligence in your body and mind. When you focus your mind on healthy, enjoyable habits, everything subtly shifts to bring them into being. The bad habits fade away without you even realizing because your attention and energy is fully engaged in the positive feedback of the wellness you are creating.

So, how do you create healthy habits that stick with you? Choose a habit to add to your life that is enjoyable and simple such as adding an extra hour in bed every night. While you're at it, figure out what problem this new habit is going to solve. Once you've identified what you don't want anymore, be sure to frame the desire in terms of what you do want. For example: "I am going to create a healthy habit of sleeping 8 hours a night because I am tired of feeling tired all the time" can be transformed into "I am well rested and energized all day long" or "I sleep 8 hours a night, and I am focused and productive all day".

This is called a positive affirmation, and it is the secret to creating healthy habits that stick with you. It works because whatever you focus your energy and attention on is what you manifest in your life. By keeping your attention on what you want instead of dwelling on what you don't like, what you're afraid of, or what you feel bad about, you are training your body and mind to notice all kinds of opportunities to act on your new healthy intentions.

What do you do with your positive affirmation? Every morning when you start the day, spend three to five minutes envisioning your affirmation. It works best in the morning before your mind is full of all the things you need to do during the day. This can be in bed before you get up, in the shower, or as I did during my commuting years, on my way to work. Take a few deep breaths to focus and bring your affirmation to mind. Imagine or visualize yourself doing and being in this new way. Really try to see, hear, smell, and imagine it in all details. Try to feel it in your body. Then get on with your day.