Current Morning Habit Stack I'm Loving

There are a number of ways in which many of us already unconsciously habit-stack and don't even realize it. If you're someone who is big on time efficiency and have a full life, or just really value your time, I guarantee you already habit stack. Habit stacking is simply layering two or more actions on top of each other (actioning simultaneously) for efficiency. 

Ways in which you might habit stack: listening to a yoga nidra or audio book while doing your sauna blanket (I used to do this all the time), listening to a podcast or YouTube while making dinner or doing the dishes, listening to something educative or relaxing on a walk or while working out, reading while having a bath (or watching a show), commuting to and from someplace, and so forth. Another example of habit stacking is spending time with a loved one while doing an activity, or maybe you're getting in friend-time because you both attend the same mastermind, masterclass or share a goal in which you're connecting with each other on on the daily.

This morning while on my vibration plate, listening to one of my favorite podcasts I thought to myself, "why don't I go grab my guasha". And so, I did. In that moment I was like, "this is a worthwhile habit stack to share". This particular habit stack is one that really sets me up for an incredible day. An incredible weekday (or workday) for me is peaceful, productive, successful (results oriented or having experienced a breakthrough), and overall just a day that feels good. 

This is the early morning line-up I've been loving. Spend 10 minutes in this state or spend 20 or 30 minutes before shifting into the next stage, step or phase of your day.

1. Vibration Plate: waking up my body (yes, I will then go for a dog walk and stretch my body as well)
2. Podcast or YouTube: priming my mind with ideal thoughts and 2.5 getting my into my vision (so key)
3. Gua Sha and facial massage: looking after my face - which, is definitely a priority. I'm all for anyone doing any thing or service they want and, I stopped doing botox in March of 2023 (which is 2 years ago now). 
4. Beverage line up: my acv water, electrolyte water, and coffee (sometimes it's matcha). It's not like I'm drinking all of these or any of these while on the vibration plate, but I have them nearby. I usually will finish one of my water concoctions, but sometimes it's just simple pleasure sips or my coffee or matcha on standby. 
5. If not listening to a podcast or zoning into my vision, I may send a good morning voice note or two, or I may verbally have a conversation with God. 

What is the hype with the vibration plate you ask? In 2016 when I was searching for a holistic facialist due to a moment of adult acne, I came across Amanda Beisel, the owner of SKN Clinic in Vancouver. Amanda was an acupuncturist who also offered facial acupuncture. I HIGHLY recommend acupuncture and facial acupuncture if you can find the right people. This isn't about acupuncture though. Amanda did the vibration plate as part of her fitness regime back then and I was always intrigued. Fast forward to present day and seeing Natalie Gee on her vibration plate, I knew it was time for me to just dive in since it's been in my awareness for almost a decade. 

The vibration plate may not be for everyone, but I very much like it. Whether I do 10 minutes, 20 minutes or 30 minutes, it's always pure joy. While a mini rebounder is a nice idea, jumping still is not something that makes me feel the best as I live with long post concussion symptoms. The vibration plate is not the same thing as a rebounder (trampoline), but it's an alternative movement modality to COMPLIMENT other ways in which I move my body.

I love the vibration plate because I feel like it wakes up my cells. I love the vibration plate because I feel relaxed yet invigorated. I love the vibration plate because it gives me an awareness of where I might need to pay my body more attention. Let me count the ways I love thee....the list goes on. The internet says the vibration plate is ideal for supporting lymphatic draining. I haven't noticed this factor yet but I'm sure I will notice over time. People I know say it helps them with their bowel movements... The internet also says the vibration plate is great for improving bone density and strengthening your pelvic floor. Do your own research to see if it's something that might be a good addition for you. For me, I've been long curious, and since experiencing it for the first time I fell in love. The one I have is Merach. I got mine on sale for $99 USD all inclusive (tax and shipping). 

Re: what I feed my mind with. I'm very conscious about what and how much I am feeding my mind because my mind is literally a sponge and if I'm feeding it too much, it takes me out of my own focus zone and train of thought and fixates me on more information than I need, or it takes me in a direction again, away from what I'm focused on. 

The only two podcasts I really listen to are Joel Olsteen (listening since 2018) and David Ghiyam (listening for the past 2 weeks). Honorable mention to an episode here and there of Lewis Howes, and also Arielle Lorre's podcast; I love the ones with Arielle and her ex-husband Chuck; genius advice in business and in life. Also honorable mention to a podcast here or there that a friend will send. The most recent share from a dear friend was a podcast featuring one of the best men out there, John Paul DeJoria . OG podcasts I have loved over the years include Tim Ferriss' podcast and Chalene Johnson's. There was also a podcast with Kelly Slater on it that I listened to last year that talked about water fasting that I found incredibly intriguing. 

What do you currently habit stack and how does it improve your quality of life? I would love to know! 

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