Humans are creatures of habit. No, you haven't stumbled upon a commercial for a sustainable bank, but you probably know exactly what we're talking about. You, too, wake up at roughly the same time and have your standard routine before pouring your first cup of coffee – and repeat it almost every morning. That's why changing your routines is difficult, but certainly not impossible.

How do you create new habits?

A great deal of psychological research has been conducted on why it's difficult to form new habits. Fortunately, all these studies have also revealed what does work. That's why we've compiled seven handy tips for you, so you can take another step closer to your healthy lifestyle:

1. Start small

Big changes require a lot of motivation. So keep it simple and build your ideal routine with small changes. This way, you'll make it manageable and gradually get closer to your goal without having to put in much effort. Want to eat healthier? Put an apple in your bag in the morning so you always have a snack on hand and are less likely to reach for the candy jar. Sounds silly, but the small changes add up and make a real difference in the end.

2. Do it every day

"I want to live healthier" is a rather abstract goal to have. "I'm going to exercise more" sounds better, like a resolution. Say, "I'll take a half-hour walk every evening after dinner": congratulations, you've arrived at a concrete habit. Make it concrete, and repeat it every day. A daily habit is easier to maintain than a weekly one, simply because your body and brain get used to it. Before you know it, the habit will be part of your daily routine. (I enjoy a vitamin gummy every day after lunch ;)?)

3. Treat yourself

Healthy snack? Check. ✔️ Walked again after dinner? Check. ✔️ Good job! Give yourself a moment to appreciate the progress you've made and hey, reward yourself, because you deserve it. Some goals are so big they seem miles away. So break it down into chunks and celebrate every day you check off, for example, with a sweet—but healthy—reward, like a vitamin gummy! That way, you're doing twice as well, because Yummygums are the best way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.

4. Look on the bright side

Get over yourself, grumpy. You won't figure out your ideal lifestyle in a week, so don't expect instant results. Make it fun for yourself and dare to be creative, like research psychologist Wendy Wood did. She went to bed in her running clothes to make it easier to train the next morning. Of course, sometimes you need a rest day, but with good preparation, you minimize the chance of giving up.

5. Practice mindfulness

Schedule some time for mindfulness into your daily routine. Take a few minutes each day to breathe consciously, observe your thoughts, or simply be present. This can reduce stress and help you get closer to your goals. One way to make this easier is to keep a journal, focusing on the positive aspects of your day or your life in general. This doesn't have to take much time; just three points a day can make a big difference.

6. Stick your new habit to an existing habit

A new entry-level habit: attach your new habit to an existing one. Success is guaranteed, because habit number one is already in your system; you just need to expand it. First cup of coffee in the morning? Add a vitamin gummie afterward, and voilá: your routine just got an upgrade. Going to the bathroom? Time to reflect on what you're grateful for that day. And, uh, you can brush your teeth while doing squats, right? Fun fact: for most people, the morning routine is the most obvious routine, and therefore fertile ground for planting solid habits.

7. Stay flexible

Life is dynamic, and sometimes circumstances can change. Be flexible in your approach and adjust your habits as needed. The most important thing is to maintain the overall direction of a healthy lifestyle. Good luck!