Mastering Habit Stacking: How to Build Unstoppable Routines
Embracing Change and Routine
This past year has brought about a lot of change for me. I’m in a completely different place now than I was at this time last year. Though it’s been a tough journey, I’ve grown immensely. Throughout it all, I’ve made a conscious effort to devote more time to the things that truly fulfill me. One thing about me, though, is that I’m a 100% Type A personality. No matter how hard I try, I can’t shake my Type A rituals. A big part of that is my need for routine and a to-do list. It doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing—even if my plan for the day is to lounge on the couch and read the day away, I have to mentally structure it. If I don’t, it just won’t work for me. And that’s when I discovered the beautiful concept of habit stacking.
What Is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking has truly transformed my life. I feel incredibly accomplished as I move through my day, checking things off my list not just once, but sometimes twice—or even three times—all at once. If you’ve never heard of habit stacking before, this might sound overwhelming at first. But trust me, it can completely change the way you approach your day. The basic concept is simple: it’s about pairing two habits together and doing them at the same time, effectively ‘killing two birds with one stone.
When I first discovered habit stacking, I wasn’t sure where to begin either. What I didn’t realize was that I had already been doing a version of habit stacking without even knowing it. I started by reflecting on my morning routine. For example, I always listen to calming music while I do my skincare, and I listen to a podcast or music while I’m in the shower. I also read blog posts during my morning cup of coffee. Although these were already great examples of habit stacking, I wanted to make them even more powerful.
Building on My Existing Habits
I began reflecting on the things that made me feel accomplished and fulfilled, and I realized there were so many ways to incorporate these into habit stacking. One thing I knew I wanted to do more of this year was reading. I’m rather particular about how I read, but I discovered that I really enjoy listening to educational books on audiobook. This turned out to be a great habit to stack with all kinds of activities. You can listen to audiobooks in the car, on a walk, while working out, getting ready for the day, or even cooking dinner. Not only is this enjoyable for me, but it also helps me accomplish my goal of reading more, more seamlessly. There are only so many hours in a day, and you can't really multitask while sitting with your face in a book!
Another habit stack I’ve really enjoyed is combining stretching with mind clearing. As a Type A personality, my mind is constantly racing with thoughts and to-do lists—it's like a never-ending train of tasks running through my inner monologue. This can be overwhelming and even raise my anxiety. To counter that, I like to practice clearing my mind and focusing on peacefulness and calm. This is a great activity to pair with stretching. Sometimes I’ll sit in silence, or I’ll play instrumental music (three habits stacked!) and practice mindfulness while doing my morning and evening stretches.
Finally, one of my favorite habit stacks is combining my morning coffee or tea with a goal check-in. Every morning, when I first sit down at my desk, I make sure there’s a fresh cup of coffee or tea before I begin. I use this time to reflect on my to-do list for the day and check in on my goals. Personally, I like to check in on my goals every morning because when I don’t, I start to forget about them and lose track of actively working on them. This practice helps me start my day organized and focused, keeping me on track overall. I also dedicate this time to finishing my coffee or tea, since I have a bad habit of nursing my morning drink all day long. This stack helps me stay on top of my hydration, too!
Tips for Successful Habit Stacking
Start Small, Get Creative, and Make It Enjoyable
Although you’re welcome to use all of these specific habit stacks, these are not the only ones. There are a plethora of habits you can combine and stack. The main objective of this practice is to lead you to a more productive routine and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to start slow with just one habit stack. If you start off too headstrong, you may begin to feel overwhelmed and reluctant to follow through. Also, remember, these habits are supposed to help you and bring you joy. Don’t habit stack two tasks you hate doing—you’ll never follow through and will just end up feeling miserable. Get creative and find ways to add joyful tasks to the less fun ones and see how it can transform your routine!
Habit stacking has truly been a game-changer for me, and I hope it can be for you too. By pairing activities together in ways that fit your lifestyle, you can make your day more productive, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Whether you’re someone who thrives on routine like me or someone looking for a way to get more done without feeling overwhelmed, habit stacking offers a simple yet powerful solution.
Remember, it’s all about starting small, being creative, and finding joy in the process. The goal is not to overload yourself with too many stacked habits all at once but to gradually build a routine that works for you. Be kind to yourself as you experiment with different combinations and take note of what makes you feel more balanced and accomplished. And most importantly—make it enjoyable. If a habit doesn’t bring you joy or serve your purpose, it’s okay to adjust. Start with one small habit stack and see how it transforms your day. Feel free to share your own habit stacking ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re making your daily routines more efficient and fulfilling!