Healthy Habits and How They Shape Our Lives | Calgary Psychology Support | Creative Sky Psychology
Habits have a large impact on our everyday lives. You may often hear people say “humans are creatures of habit and routine”. It is very much true!
Habits are the small actions we repeat every day—sometimes without even realizing it. Over time, these patterns shape our physical health, emotional well-being, and even our mindset. Some habits, like brushing your teeth or exercising, support growth and health. Others, like poor sleep or excessive screen time, can work against us.
Understanding how habits form—and how to change them—can help us build a healthier, more balanced life.
In our busy Calgary routines, it’s easy to go on autopilot. We often rush through days filled with work, family, and digital distractions, only to realize that our habits have formed quietly in the background. The good news? With a bit of awareness and consistency, it’s possible to shift even long-standing patterns toward something that supports well-being.
How Habits Are Formed
Habits are built through repetition. They’re stored in the basal ganglia, the part of the brain that runs routines automatically—like brushing teeth or tying shoes. This frees up brainpower for creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving!
When we consistently do something in the same environment, it becomes automatic. This happens because the brain creates strong neural pathways that make the behavior easier to repeat. Over time, these pathways can feel like “defaults,” shaping how we move through each day without conscious effort.
For example:
Positive habit: Brushing your teeth daily—something most of us do without thinking.
Negative habit: Staying up late every night, which may leave you feeling tired and unfocused the next day.
Not all habits are clearly “good” or “bad,” but being aware of how they affect your life is the first step in making meaningful change. In therapy, we often explore how habits—emotional, behavioral, or mental—develop as coping strategies. Some begin as ways to manage stress or feel comforted, even if they no longer serve us. Recognizing this can help us approach change with self-compassion rather than judgment.
Good Habits vs. Bad Habits
Good habits support your well-being, productivity, and personal growth. Examples include eating nutritious meals, getting enough rest, practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, and keeping meaningful social connections. Bad habits can have negative consequences—either for you or those around you. These might include smoking, irregular sleep patterns, unhealthy eating, or excessive time on technology.
But here’s something important: most habits start with a need. Maybe the late-night scrolling was once a way to relax after a long day, or skipping meals came from being too busy to slow down. When we understand the why behind a habit, it becomes easier to shift it gently rather than forcing change. The difference between good and bad habits often comes down to one question: Does this habit add value to my life—or does it take away from it?
Transforming Negative Habits
Changing habits takes time, awareness, and consistency. It’s not about willpower alone—it’s about designing an environment that supports the change you want.
Here’s a simple framework to guide you:
Identify the trigger (cue). Notice what prompts the habit (stress, boredom, time of day, environment).
Choose an alternative routine. Replace the behavior with something that still meets the same need in a healthier way. For example, if stress leads to snacking, try deep breathing, stretching, or a short walk instead.
Reward yourself. Reinforce the positive change so your brain associates it with satisfaction and pride.
This process requires patience—habits don’t change overnight. But with consistent effort, new, healthier patterns take root and gradually replace the old ones. At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we often help individuals identify not only what they want to change, but what emotion or need the habit is fulfilling. That awareness helps turn frustration into curiosity—and curiosity into meaningful progress.
Maintaining Good Habits
Once a positive habit is in place, the focus shifts to keeping it strong. Consistency and flexibility go hand in hand—habits thrive when we practice them regularly but forgive ourselves when life gets busy.
You can:
Anticipate challenges. Plan for moments when it might be hard to stick to your routine (busy weeks, travel, or stress).
Celebrate progress. Acknowledge every step, no matter how small. Progress fuels motivation.
Check in regularly. Reflect on what’s working and what feels off-balance. Adjust without judgment.
Healthy habits aren’t about rigidity—they’re about balance and self-compassion. Some days, maintaining your habits might mean a long walk; other days, it might mean taking a quiet moment for yourself. Both count as care. When we focus on gentle progress instead of perfection, our efforts become sustainable. Over time, small steps create big shifts.
Tips for Building Healthy Habits
Here are some ways to make new habits feel achievable:
Set a clear goal. Be specific about what you want to do and how often. Instead of “I’ll exercise more,” try “I’ll walk for 15 minutes after lunch three days a week.”
Make a plan. Ask yourself when, where, and how the habit will fit into your day.
Keep it enjoyable and realistic. Choose habits that feel sustainable, not overwhelming.
Lean on support. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth—friends, family, or a therapist.
Be patient with yourself. Habits take time—what matters most is consistency and kindness toward yourself.
When you approach habit-building with curiosity instead of criticism, you give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.
Research shows it can take anywhere from 21 to 66 days for a new habit to “stick.” The more consistent and rewarding the habit, the faster the brain wires it in. For kids, making habits fun and predictable helps them last.
Healthy Habits in Calgary Life
Living in Calgary offers plenty of ways to nurture healthy habits. The city’s parks and pathways invite movement and mindfulness—whether it’s a walk along the Bow River, yoga in the park, or a quiet coffee moment before the day begins.
Connecting with community, spending time outdoors, and creating daily rituals of rest and reflection all support emotional balance. These aren’t just lifestyle choices—they’re grounding habits that help us feel more present and fulfilled. Therapy can also play a role in understanding how habits connect to emotions. Many people discover that patterns like overworking, avoidance, or perfectionism are emotional habits too—learned ways of coping that can be gently reshaped through awareness and support.
Final Thoughts
Habits shape the way we live—sometimes in small ways, sometimes in profound ones. Whether you’re trying to break an old pattern or create a healthier routine, remember that change takes time, consistency, and compassion. Every step forward is progress, no matter how small.
At Creative Sky Psychology, we support individuals and families in Calgary as they work toward positive change. If certain habits are affecting your well-being or your child’s emotional health, therapy can provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement on the journey. Together, we can build habits that strengthen resilience and support growth.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book online today to help your child thrive. 👋 Meet our team
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
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Research suggests it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a habit to stick, depending on the person and the behavior. Consistency is key—small, repeated actions become automatic over time.
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Simple habits like drinking enough water, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, taking short walks, or practicing mindfulness can make a big difference in overall well-being. Even small steps add up to lasting change.
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Yes. Therapy can provide tools for identifying unhelpful patterns, setting realistic goals, and staying accountable. Calgary therapists can also help families create routines that support both children and parents.
