5 Proven Strategies to Build and Maintain Healthy Habits

With super busy lives, developing healthy habits can feel impossible. That's why we've put together some of our favorite tips for habit-building so you can make lasting changes that turn into major life wins. Let’s dive into five effective ways to build and support healthy habits — with a friendly nudge to keep things light and fun!

1. Start Small and Be Realistic (Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, and Your Habits Won't Be Either) 

When it comes to building habits, it’s easy to get caught up in big goals and craving immediate results. But let’s be honest—starting small (sometimes very small) is the key to long-term success. Whether it’s drinking more water, going for a short daily walk, or cutting back on sugar, the trick is to set realistic, achievable goals.

Think baby steps. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start with just five minutes a day. Gradually increase the time as the habit becomes part of your routine and you begin to get the hang of it. Remember, consistency is what counts, and these small, sustainable actions will add up over time.

Rebalance Advisor, gold medalist, and personal trainer Tim Thackery shares: "Creating structure and some consistency with habits is the easiest place to start," he says. He emphasizes the importance of tying these habits to priorities. "One of the theories is that people are most organized in their life around things that are a priority to them."

2. Make It Part of Your Routine (Let’s Turn That Habit into Your New Best Friend) 

One of the best ways to ensure your new habit sticks is to incorporate it into an existing daily routine. Think of your routine as a trusty sidekick that helps you stay on track. By linking your new habit to something you already do, like brushing walking your dog or making your morning coffee, you’re more likely to stick with it.

On incorporating Rebalance into a routine, Tim shares: "We eat three times a day and Rebalance is taken three times a day. Just take the lozenges after you eat, and you can easily build it into a routine and make it a powerful habit that will have a hugely positive impact on your health and life." 

For example, if you want to meditate daily, try doing it right after you wake up or before you go to bed. The more seamless you make the integration of your habit into your existing routine, the easier it will be to maintain.

3. Create a Supportive Environment (Set Yourself Up for Success, One Step at a Time) 

Your environment plays a huge role in habit formation. Surround yourself with cues that support your new habit and remove triggers that may derail your progress. It’s like setting up a path of least resistance to make your habit the easiest and most natural choice. 

If your goal is to eat healthier, stock your kitchen with nutritious snacks and keep tempting junk food out of sight. Want to work out more? Lay out your workout clothes the night before or keep your gym bag by the door. By designing an environment that supports your goals, you’re setting yourself up for success, one small step at a time. Your future self will thank you.

4. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins (High-Fives All Around for Every Little Victory!)

Tracking your progress is a powerful motivator. Whether you use a journal, an app, or a simple calendar, keeping a record of your efforts will help you stay accountable and see how far you’ve come. Plus, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of checking off a completed task!

But don’t just track—celebrate your wins! Every time you hit a milestone, give yourself a pat on the back (or an actual high-five if you’re feeling it). Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, reinforces the positive behavior and keeps you motivated to continue.

5. Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities (Because Nobody’s Perfect, and That’s Okay)

Let’s face it—setbacks happen. But instead of getting discouraged, view them as learning opportunities. Maybe you missed a workout or indulged in some comfort food. That’s okay! What matters is how you bounce back.

Reflect on what caused the setback and think about how you can avoid it in the future. Maybe you need to tweak your routine or set more realistic expectations. The key is to keep going and remember that progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about making steady, positive changes.