December 18, 2024
Welltech Editorial Team
Table of Contents
The holiday season brings joy and connection, but it can also be a period of stress, indulgence, and disrupted routines. For many, maintaining healthy habits during this time feels overwhelming. However, building habits that last isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating systems that work for you—even in challenging times.
I’m here to break down the science of habit formation and share practical strategies to help you prioritize your well-being during the holidays and beyond.
Our habits shape who we are. They dictate how we spend our time, how we feel, and what we achieve. Research shows that around 40% of our daily actions come from habits, not conscious decisions (Duke University, 2006). Habits help us function efficiently, but they can also reinforce patterns that don’t serve us well.
The key lies in understanding the habit loop—a four-step cycle that governs every habit (Clear, 2018):
For example, if your cue is stress, your craving might be for comfort. Your response could be reaching for a sugary snack, and your reward is a temporary feeling of relief. Over time, this loop becomes automatic.
The Good News: You can rewire your habit loops to support healthier behaviors. By tweaking your cues, making small changes, and reinforcing positive behaviors, you can create habits that stick—even during the holiday hustle.
One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to overhaul their entire lifestyle overnight. It’s tempting to set big, ambitious goals like working out daily or quitting sugar completely—but these changes can feel overwhelming and unsustainable.
Instead, focus on microhabits—small, manageable actions that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. A study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that forming a habit takes an average of 66 days, though this varies depending on the individual and behavior (Lally et al., 2009).
For example:
These small wins create momentum and build confidence.
Your brain loves patterns, which is why tying a new habit to an existing routine is so effective. This method, called habit stacking, works by creating associations between behaviors.
Here’s how it works:
Habit stacking leverages the brain’s natural inclination to build on established routines (Duhigg, 2012).
The simpler and more rewarding a habit feels, the more likely you are to stick with it. Here are two techniques to make habits more appealing:
The festive season can disrupt even the best routines, but it’s also an opportunity to practice flexibility and self-compassion. Here’s how to stay on track:
Keystone habits are small actions that have a ripple effect on other areas of your life. According to research published in Social Science Research Network, developing keystone habits like regular exercise or mindfulness can create positive changes in unrelated areas of your life (Wood & Neal, 2007). Examples include:
Plan Ahead
Anticipate potential obstacles and create solutions in advance:
Overwhelmed by commitments? Schedule downtime for rest and reflection.
Reframe Holiday Indulgence
One off-track meal or missed workout doesn’t erase your progress. View these moments as part of life, not failures. Balance indulgences with positive habits, and let go of all-or-nothing thinking.
Consistency is the bedrock of habit formation, and it starts with understanding why habits fail:
Recognizing your progress—no matter how small—reinforces positive behavior. Finished a 10-minute workout? High-five yourself. Replaced a soda with water? Celebrate that choice. Positive reinforcement strengthens your commitment.
Healthy habits are more than tasks; they’re acts of self-care that nurture your well-being. Think of them as gifts to your future self:
By framing habits as self-care, you create a mindset shift that makes them feel rewarding rather than burdensome.
Here’s a quick summary of actionable steps to build and maintain habits during the holiday season:
Building habits isn’t about rigid discipline; it’s about aligning your actions with your values and goals. Start where you are, be patient with yourself, and let your habits carry you into the new year stronger than ever.
You’ve got this.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!