How to actually make the new healthy habits stick when you are TTC

Small Habits Yield Bigger Results

Did you know small (or even tiny) habits are far more sustainable than larger goals and habits? Small habits yield bigger results because they are often easier for our brains to automate into easy routines. 

How to actually make the new healthy habits stick when you are TTC

Before you set a goal or if you are facing a challenging goal, what would it look and feel like to make it smaller? How could you splice it into 2, 3 or even 4 smaller goals? 

Habit Loop

The most effective way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a new one. Wonder why? This is because habits are far less about willpower and motivation, and are all about psychology. 

Once your brain realizes that it is using a lot of your energy for a repetitive habit, it transitions the habit from conscious to the unconscious mind. 

A habit loop can be broken down into 3 sections. Cue > Routine > Reward. In order to replace an old habit with a new one, dissect it into these three categories and notice which part it is you want to change. 

Here is an example: 

Cue: Coming home from work

Routine: Pouring a glass of wine

Reward: Feeling a sense of relaxation

If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, you need to change the routine. If the reward is feeling a sense of relaxation, consider what other activities would help you reach that reward. Perhaps you could take a relaxing bath instead. 

Habit Stacking

When a tiny habit has been automated by your brain, this is the best time to add to it. This is where you can stack your habits. 

In order to easily add new habits, consider noticing existing habits and creating a new cue-routine-reward cycle that stacks on top. Since rewarded behaviors are repeated behaviors, it is far easier to stack habits. 

Think of it as: After I ____, I will ___.

An example could be adding flossing your teeth to your routine. Before I brush my teeth, I will floss. 

Progress over Perfection

Instead of being frustrated that you didn’t have the “willpower” to meet a goal, think about it from the psychology perspective and see what you are able to accomplish with this information. 

To learn more about how the Fab Fertile Method can help improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally, apply here. We’ll come up with a plan specifically designed for your situation.  We specialize in low AMH, high FSH, premature ovarian insufficiency, and diminished ovarian reserve.

Blog by Samantha Coffin – Fertility Coach at Fab Fertile Inc.