How to Create New Healthy Habits: A Simple Guide

Creating new habits can feel challenging especially when we try to change everything at once. Often, it’s not a lack of motivation that holds us back, but an all-or-nothing approach that quickly becomes overwhelming.

At Ankr & Flow, we believe sustainable change comes from small, intentional steps. By focusing on one habit at a time and allowing it to integrate naturally into your routine, you’re far more likely to create changes that last. Whether your goal is to move your body more, nourish yourself better or build moments of mindfulness into your day, consistency and simplicity are key.

Here’s a gentle, effective guide to building healthy habits that truly stick.

1. Start Small

One of the biggest mistakes people make is setting goals that are too big, too fast. Instead of committing to an hour-long workout every day, begin with something manageable like 10 minutes.

Starting small removes pressure, builds confidence and creates momentum. Once the habit feels natural, you can always build from there.

Example: If you’d like to read more, start with just 5 pages a day.

2. Be Consistent

Consistency is the foundation of habit-building. Choose a specific time, place or trigger for your new habit and repeat it regularly. The more consistent you are, the quicker the habit becomes automatic.

Rather than relying on motivation, lean into routine - it’s far more reliable.

Example: Meditate for 5 minutes immediately after waking up each morning.

3. Use Habit Stacking

Habit stacking means pairing a new habit with one you already do daily. This makes the habit easier to remember and far more likely to stick.

This is one of the simplest and most effective tools for behaviour change and a favourite approach here at Ankr & Flow.

Example: Drink a glass of water straight after brushing your teeth in the morning.

4. Track Your Progress

Tracking your habits can be incredibly motivating. Seeing your progress written down helps reinforce consistency and builds a sense of achievement.

This doesn’t have to be permanent - short-term tracking is often enough to build awareness and accountability.

Example: Tick off each day you complete your habit in a journal, calendar or app.

5. Be Patient and Forgive Slip-Ups

Habit-building is not about perfection. Missing a day doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it simply means you’re human.

What matters most is returning to the habit without guilt or self-criticism. Life can be busy, but if a habit truly matters to you, it’s worth reassessing your priorities and creating space for it.

Progress comes from persistence, not pressure.

Creating new healthy habits doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. By starting small, staying consistent and using simple strategies like habit stacking, you can create meaningful, lasting change.

With time, patience and intention, these small daily actions will compound into powerful results - supporting your overall wellbeing.

You don’t need to do it all - just begin.