Welcome back to Term 2, team ESCA! We hope that you have taken the time to relax and recharge over the holidays. The start of a new term is a good time to reflect on Term 1, the things you aced and the things that need work. A great way to stay consistent in all elements of your life is by setting good habits and sticking to them.
Why Are Habits Important?
Humans are, by nature, creatures of habit. Approximately 45% of our activities in a day are habitual, performed automatically without much thought and therefore we are often incapable of knowing how influential they really are.
Habits are the essential foundation to be successful and productive. Nothing can be built without a strong foundation, right? Habits shape and build the foundation of our lives far more than you probably realise. That is why it is essential that you choose to perform good habits daily. According to The Power of Habit author Charles Duhigg, habits are an important force that our brains actually cling to because they create cravings where a certain behaviour is rewarded by the release of “pleasure” chemicals in the brain. Habits are essentially a series of events that have a cue (e.g. an unmade bed), a response/habit (e.g. make the bed) and a reward or outcome (e.g. a neat and clean bed and room).
So, how do we create good habits? Or replace our bad ones with better ones?
1. Start Small
A habit doesn’t have to be a big one in order for it to be considered successful or more important. Consistency is what’s key! Examples could be: making your bed every morning, drinking eight glasses of water everyday or ensuring that you do your homework as soon as you get home.
2. Be Intentional
An important part of creating good habits is choosing the habits and not letting the habits choose you. Choose the ones that can make the most difference to your life.
For example, choose to tidy up your desk everyday, to ensure that you are organised when it comes to studying and doing your homework.
3. Celebrate Every Win
It is important to keep motivated when trying to adopt new habits in your life. By celebrating tiny wins, you’ll start to create those feel-good responses well before the actual habit is formed. If you decide to meditate everyday, and you start off with two minutes every morning before you go to school, well done! Pat yourself on the back - you’re on the right track.
4. Partner Up
One of the best things to do to form good habits is finding a friend to hold you accountable. Accountability can go a long way and allow you to create stronger habits when you feel supported. For example, get a study buddy who you can revise with weekly. Revising weekly is a great habit to get into.
5. Be Balanced
It’s important to live a balanced life. Think about all the areas of your life that you can form good habits in. Some great habits that you can think about adopting include spending more time outdoors, exercising regularly, constantly revising your school work, expressing gratitude, journaling and speaking kindly about others.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit"- Will Durant
Wishing our ESCA Community a wonderful Term 2! Here’s to adopting some great new habits that will change your lives in a very positive way!