In the world of habit formation, “Habit Stacking” reigns superior. It was brought to the forefront by James Clear’s 2018 book, Atomic Habits, and is still one of the most talked-about (and TikTok’d?) methods when it comes to developing better habits.
And I love habit stacking — I’ve taught the method for years and have used it in my own life numerous times. But it’s not the only method out there — and sometimes different habits call for different methods.
That’s what I discussed in this week’s article, Four Methods for Habit Formation 🧠 where I introduced you to four ways to support your brain to make the habit a bit easier to stick to. Just in time for the new year, right? And while you’re probably familiar with Habit Stacking, you might be less familiar with the other three: Temptation Bundling, Gateway Habits, and Environment Design.
You can head over here to read the full article.
🙋🏻♀️I’m trying something new this week — so humor me (please?)! At the bottom of this post I’ve put a “community chat” section, where I’ll ask you a question each week. Utilizing the comment feature, we can interact and create a spot to share favorite things with other folks in this community. Scroll down to check out this week’s burning question 👀
I’ll be back in your inbox next week with my first-ever “Yearly Page” edition of the newsletter. I’ve got some good freebies + resources to share as we start a fresh year. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and are able to rest and recharge.
📚 READ: The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan is top of my list for 2024 (or maybe over the holidays, if I have time). Set in Israel in 1967, it follows the friendship formed between a 25 year old Palestinian who returns to the home his family fled 19 years earlier. When he arrives, he’s confronted by a 19 year old Jewish woman whose family moved into the home after fleeing Europe after the Holocaust. On the stoop of this home with shared history, the two forge a rare friendship. I’ve heard the book does a wonderful job weaving history into the narrative. Order a copy.
📺 WATCH: Who can say no to a romantic Nancy Meyers holiday film on Netflix?! Despite a few unavoidable cheesy-holiday-movie moments, The Noel Diary was actually a delightful watch — and Justin Hartley doesn’t hurt, either. I’d say it’s a great option if you need something in the background while wrapping gifts or decorating cookies (TW: adoption, loss of a parent). Watch the trailer.
🎧 LISTEN: Anyone else have PTSD from working retail and enduring hours upon hours of terrible Christmas music for weeks on end?! I love the mood of some holiday tunes this time of year, but just one bop from NSYNC or Mariah Carey can put me over the edge. If you feel similarly, bookmark my Very Hygge Christmas Playlist on Spotify. Its full of folksy renditions and classics from Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton + more. Listen here.
🧡 ENJOY: Growing up, we always had cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning right after the gifts were opened. So the smell of cinnamon and butter will always smell like Christmas to me. I appreciate that this Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake just uses pre-made, refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (so easy on a busy morning!), but elevates it with a bourbon icing. Get the recipe.
🙋🏻♀️What is your go-to comfort movie? The one you’ve seen a thousand times and always put on after a difficult day to instantly feel a little better?
Mine is — without a doubt — 2009’s hit Its Complicated, starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. I’ve seen this movie upwards of 100 times…give or take?
I’ve thought a lot about why this movie gives me the feels, and I think it’s simply the charming, comforting vibes of Jane’s house — where most of the movie takes place. I just wanna relax on her couch while she feeds me croque monsieur and lavender honey ice cream.
What is your comfort movie?! Share it in the comments below (click on the 💬 icon if you’re in email). What do you love about it and how many times have you watched it?!
My go-to comfort movie is The Wedding Date with Debra Messing! I remember watching it in high school for the first time and I have seen it 1-2x/year since then! More recently, Encanto has become a favorite movie, especially if I’m sick or in need of an afternoon couch nap. I love falling asleep to the music in Encanto!
Leap Year! The setting makes me want to travel to Ireland so badly!