The Evolution of a Habit

I’m 6 weeks into working on my new habit of spending less time on social media. So how’s it going you may ask? To be perfectly honest, not as well as I was hoping.

I originally started by trying to only be on social media when I was doing something for my business. That worked for a little while but then it didn’t. Next, I tried to notice when I wanted to get on social media or even when I was on it so I could ask myself if this was how I wanted to spend my time. While that has helped me to be more present with my habit,  I was ready to take it to the next level. 

Unfortunately, last week I was feeling terrible. I didn’t want to do much of anything except sit on the couch and watch tv. I found myself constantly picking up my phone to look at social media. I realized  that it was coming from a place of boredom, wanting a connection with the people I don’t get to see, and also just wanting to zone out. Not feeling good put me right back in my old social media habit. 

When you are creating a new habit there will always be something that throws a wrench in the system. Willpower will only get you so far; eventually it will run out. Knowing why you want to make a particular change is a more powerful connection to make. 

I know I want to spend less time on social media because it is an energy and time suck for me. When I zone out on Instagram then I don’t have time or energy for the things I really want to do.

Reminding myself of my why helped me to redirect this week. I realized that when I am most successful with new habits it is because I focus on things that help me feel good, fill my cup,  and to grow as a person. I knew I needed to focus my attention on one area at a time to help keep things simple so I could be successful. I decided to focus on my pranayama (controlled breathing) practice.

I already do some pranayama everyday but I have been wanting to make my practice a little longer and to go a little deeper. The story in my head has been that I don’t have enough time. If I started doing pranayama instead of jumping on social media then I certainly would have enough time. 

Starting this past weekend, each time I wanted to look at social media I would sit down and do some pranayama. Pranayama is a series of controlled breathing exercises. It improves lung function, mindfulness, and relaxation, and lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic stress. All around it is a great practice. 

It has been really helpful. Have you ever heard someone say when you are trying to eat healthier to fill your plate with tons of fruits and veggies? By the time you finish eating them your stomach will be so full you won’t have room for anything else. This is the same idea.

When you are trying to change a habit you have to be willing to pivot and change direction. So often we get stuck because we try one thing and if it doesn’t work then we feel bad and give up. Keeping your why in mind will help you continue to pivot and change so you can figure out how to get the new habit to stick. Knowing what works but also what doesn’t is how you learn about yourself and find success.