How Technology Can Assist in Establishing and Breaking Habits
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Chapter 1: The Challenge of Building Healthy Habits
Over the past year, I've been on a quest to cultivate healthier habits, and I must admit, it's been quite a struggle. Motivating myself to get started or even to remember to perform certain tasks often felt overwhelming. This lack of progress left me disheartened and questioning my ability to change.
In my search for solutions, I turned to online resources such as blogs and YouTube videos to learn how others successfully developed their habits. Many individuals shared that they utilized technology as a tool to aid in their journey, so I decided to explore this avenue for myself.
Section 1.1: Utilizing Habit Tracker Apps
There are numerous habit tracker apps available that can significantly aid in forming new habits. These applications allow users to create various tasks or activities, categorizing them as daily routines—like achieving 10,000 steps—or tasks that can be performed on specific days, such as exercising four times a week.
The apps send reminders, prompting you to complete these tasks and acting as a digital accountability partner. This accountability can motivate you to maintain your progress, as building streaks can become a personal challenge; it turns into a competition against yourself.
Moreover, these apps often feature Widgets that can be added to your home screen, displaying your daily progress and current streaks. Since our phones are always within reach, these visual reminders can inspire us to stay on track.
A couple of apps I've personally tested include:
Subsection 1.1.1: Done App
This app boasts a user-friendly interface where you can select from a list of common goals or create your own. It integrates with Apple Health, tracking your steps or exercise sessions seamlessly. While the free version allows you to monitor three habits, upgrading to the paid version unlocks unlimited tracking for £51 annually.
Subsection 1.1.2: Streak App
This app shares similarities with Done, allowing you to set tasks and track your streaks, though its interface differs significantly. I personally prefer the aesthetic of Done. Streak App also sends notifications to remind you to complete your tasks, reinforcing the importance of maintaining your streak. Although it doesn’t have a free version, it offers a one-time payment option of £4.99.
While these are two apps I’ve explored, there are plenty more available to find one that fits your needs.
Section 1.2: Reminders and To-Do Lists
Most smartphones come equipped with reminder or to-do list functionalities, which can be utilized as a simple method to track habits. You can set reminders for your workouts and mark them as complete once finished. This approach is excellent for those who prefer not to invest in an app.
Chapter 2: Customization with Notion
The first video, "What makes some technology so habit-forming? | Nir Eyal | TED Institute," explores the psychological principles behind technology that encourages habit formation. This insight can enhance our understanding of how to effectively use tech in our habit-building journeys.
Notion is one of my favorite applications, not only for planning and tracking content but also for creating a customized habit tracker. The flexibility of Notion allows you to design a tracker that meets your specific needs and to modify it as you progress. Additionally, if you're unsure where to start, numerous templates are available for download that you can adapt or use as is.
Final Thoughts
Establishing new habits can be a daunting task, so having readily available tools can significantly support your goals. These technologies not only help reinforce positive habits but also assist in eliminating negative ones, ensuring consistency along the way.
If you find it challenging to create and maintain new habits independently, I recommend trying one of the aforementioned tools. Personally, I lean towards using a habit tracking app due to its ease of use and the motivational Widgets that keep me engaged.
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The second video, "Healthy Tech Habits For Back To School," presents practical tips for utilizing technology to foster healthy habits, particularly as we transition back to school routines.