Transforming Habits Through Habit Stacking and Emotional Healing
Grief is often misunderstood, with many people associating it solely with death or divorce. However, there are over 40 life events that can evoke grief—from losing a job to ending a friendship or even unmet expectations. In our practice, we work with clients to identify and address habits that arise as coping mechanisms, particularly those we call Short Term Energy Releasing Behaviors (STERBs). These habits often serve as temporary distractions but fail to provide the emotional healing we need.
Typical STERBs include overeating or restricting food intake, isolation, binge-watching or doom-scrolling, overworking, compulsive shopping, jumping into new relationships too quickly, excessive alcohol use, and even over-exercising. These behaviors are frequently modeled during childhood, becoming ingrained patterns we carry into adulthood. Recognizing these habits is the first step toward replacing them with healthy, long-term strategies for emotional well-being.
Introducing Habit Stacking for Sustainable Change
Replacing STERBs isn’t an overnight process. Building new habits takes time and consistency—on average, about two months for a habit to take hold. That’s where habit stacking comes in. This method pairs a new habit with an existing routine, making it easier to integrate positive behaviors into daily life.
For example, if you’re trying to incorporate movement into your day, you might decide to take a walk around the block immediately after closing your computer for work. Another example is using JaxKelly Waterproof Shower Affirmations, an innovative way to bring positivity and intention into your day. While in the shower, you can read affirmations tailored to themes like Self-Love, Sobriety, Anxiety, or Abundance. These affirmations stick to the shower wall, turning a mundane routine into a powerful moment of self-care. Check out their offerings here.
How My Modalities Support Habit Transformation
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Grief Recovery Specialist, Conscious Connected Breathwork Practitioner, Sound Therapist, and Reiki Master, I provide tools and guidance to help clients navigate emotional healing and establish healthy habits. Each modality offers unique benefits:
Grief Recovery: This structured program helps clients process unresolved grief and replace STERBs with emotionally healthy coping strategies.
Hypnotherapy: By working with the subconscious mind, I help clients uncover and reprogram limiting beliefs that may be driving unhelpful habits.
Breathwork: Conscious connected breathing helps release stored emotional tension, creating space for new, empowering habits to form.
Sound Therapy and Reiki: These energy-based practices support relaxation, balance, and mental clarity, laying the groundwork for positive change.
The Power of Awareness and Consistency
Understanding the link between grief and behavior is transformative. It’s not just about eliminating old habits but consciously replacing them with ones that nourish your emotional and physical well-being. Using techniques like habit stacking ensures that the process feels approachable and sustainable.
For instance, if your habit is doom-scrolling before bed, consider stacking a positive habit like 5 minutes of guided meditation instead. Over time, these small shifts accumulate, creating meaningful change.
Locations We Serve
If you’re in San Diego County, we offer sessions in La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Our services extend virtually as well, making them accessible no matter where you are. Clients often seek out The Guides Holistic Therapies practice for our holistic, integrative approach to emotional healing and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
Transforming habits tied to grief is a journey of self-awareness and commitment. By replacing STERBs with long-term healing strategies like habit stacking, you’re investing in a healthier, more balanced future. Incorporating tools like JaxKelly Shower Affirmations can make this process not only effective but enjoyable. Remember, change takes time. Be patient with yourself as you embark on this path to emotional well-being and self-discovery.
