Over the past couple of weeks, we've talked about adapting to seasonal changes and navigating vacations without feeling like you have to start over. This week, I'd like to discuss something that can help tremendously when life feels busy, unpredictable, or completely upside down.
Anchor habits.
These are the habits that keep you grounded regardless of what's happening around you.
They don't have to be big or impressive. In fact, the best anchor habits are often simple, familiar, and easy to maintain.
Think about some of the things you do automatically. Most of us brush our teeth, shower, get the mail, or attend church regularly on autopilot. We don't spend much time or energy deciding whether or not we're going to do those things. They're simply part of our lives.
Wellness habits can work the same way.
Maybe you stretch ever morning when you get out of bed. Maybe you take a few minutes to journal before turning in for the night. Maybe you make a point to drink water before your morning coffee.
For me, there are a few habits that help me anchor my day.
One is walking. Even if it's shorter than usual, I need to get outside and move. It clears my head, improves my mood, and helps me feel more like myself. My family will probably tell you I'm a much more pleasant person when I've had my walk (or workout or worked in the garden).
Another is spending time in my Bible app each morning. It doesn't matter whether I'm at home, traveling, busy, or on vacation. I spend at least 15 minutes reading and studying every day. It's become such a normal part of my routine that I don't really debate whether I'm going to do it.
There are also a few supplements that travel with me wherever I go. They're simple habits, but they're important enough that I don't like to skip them.
What all of these habits have in common besides making me a healthier version of myself, is that they're manageable.
They're not complicated. They don't require perfect conditions. And because they're relatively easy and enjoyable, they're much easier to maintain when life gets hectic.
That's one of the reasons I encourage people to start small when building habits. The easier a habit is to perform consistently, the more likely it is to stick.
Once a habit becomes established, you can even begin linking it with other habits. We've talked before at length about habit stacking, which is simply using one established behavior as a trigger for another. Many of you have told me how effective this has been for you over the years. If you're newer to these newsletters and would like to learn more, you can always browse the past issues through the archive link in your email.
As you move intentionally through this week, take a moment to think about your own anchor habits.
What are the things you do consistently, regardless of where you are, how busy life becomes, or how motivated you feel?
And if you don't have a wellness habit that feels firmly anchored yet, consider starting with something small.
A short walk.
A few minutes of stretching.
A brief morning devotional.
A glass of water before coffee.
Simple habits practiced consistently often carry us through seasons when everything else feels uncertain.
And when life inevitably gets a little topsy-turvy, those anchors can make all the difference.
Have a wonderful week, and I hope to see you soon!