Vona Center for Mental Health School-Based Therapist - April

Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth, we can borrow some of that energizing momentum to make changes in our own lives by habit stacking. Habit stacking is starting a new habit or behavior on top of a habit that already exists, imagining that you're stacking one on top of the other. For example, if you wanted to build a habit of practicing mindfulness, you could practice deep breathing or checking in with yourself (how am I feeling, what intention do I want to set for my day, etc.) while brushing your teeth in the morning. Start with small changes that feel doable.

You can practice with your family at mealtime by taking turns sharing three things you're grateful for from the day while you eat, making gratitude a part of mealtime. You can also practice during times of transition times, for example, while helping your child get dressed in the morning, use that time as an opportunity to discuss fun plans for the day ahead or practice positive affirmations together.