Habit Stacking
Habit stacking is my new favorite hobby.
What is this exactly? No, it’s not multitasking. It’s when you stack many tasks into one activity. It’s self care meets consistency meets getting shit done and feeling good all at once. It’s one of the many ways I fit it all in and don’t loose my mind trying to do so. In fact, I’d say some of these stacks keep me from going off the wall. Jokes aside, recovery is essential for performance both mentally and physically. If you want to keep it together as a mom, you need to care for yourself. The same goes for you when it comes to your fitness goals. In order to perform well, you must equally prioritize recovery. Keep reading for some of my favorite habit hacks.
Red light therapy is amazing for your nervous system, your skin, your energy, inflammation and more. I am obsessed with the LightStim machine at Stretch*d near my house on the Upper East Side. I love to pair it with their compression boots and lie on an infrared PEMF mat. Before I lie down I put on a meditation and after 20 minutes I feel like a new woman. I’d argue it’s better than a power nap.
Almost every night I put my legs up the wall as a way to drain them, promote good circulation, and ease my nervous system. I love to put on my toe separators to stretch out my feet while I do this to maximize my efforts. Add in a good book using an amber reading light and you’re relaxing your mind, your body, your nervous system, and getting ready for some seriously good sleep with feet that will feel good when you step out of bed in the morning.
If there’s one household chore I don’t like, it’s folding laundry. I have no problem doing laundry but it takes so long to fold it! My solution to avoiding this task was habit stack it with things I actually enjoy. While I don’t watch TV that often when I do find a show I like I’m in 100% until it’s over. I love my Therabody compression boots for decreasing swelling after standing for hours a day so I throw them on, turn on the show, and get to folding. After an hour I’ve gotten so much done for my body, my to-do list, and a little chill time.
I go for an early morning run a few days a week so I can start my day outside, in nature. It’s one of my absolute favorite things. I’ve recently started adding a scalp detoxifier and hair mask to my hair before I get going so while I’m outside my hair is getting a treatment. I then come home, shower and by 7:30am I’ve not only checked my run off my list but also have a great hair day going for me. I’ve been loving Vegamore’s Scalp Detox and Leave-in Conditioner as they consistently give me good results.
I hope you find this inspiring! If you give any of these combos a try be sure to tag me on Instagram @AshleyPattenPilates and/or comment below!
xx, Ashley