CONVERSATION CLASS

Question 1 Question 2 Question 4

What is a routine Have you ever tried to Can a routine tracker
tracker and how does track your routine? help improve
it work? productivity?

 Wondering how habit trackers work? A mental health expert offers advice on whether behavior-

tracking apps are right for you.

Confession: I've been trying to quit biting my nails since Tove Lo released the song "Habits" back in
2014. Whether you're trying to start a new workout regimen, or attempting to kick something to the
curb that no longer serves you, the process can feel like a constant struggle. That's why it's no surprise
that many folks turn to habit trackers to help them navigate making changes in their life (whether
those changes are big or small). The question is: Do habit trackers work for you?

Starting new habits comes with a myriad of benefits. Research shows that developing new forms of
behavior may boost self-confidence and lead to better overall wellbeing. Plus, you're also reaping the
rewards of whatever habit you've developed. It's a win-win-win. Ahead, dive into how these habit
tracker apps work, how to know whether or not they're right for you, and, finally, how to choose the
right habit tracker for you.
First things first: a word on how habit trackers work. Forming a habit famously calls for the "three Rs":
reminder, routine, and reward. For example, if you're trying to get out for a walk at lunchtime to refocus
and clock a few thousand steps, your reminder might be a ping on your phone that reads "Get out there!"
After that, you have the routine itself (your stroll), and the reward of your choice (let's say, a cup of warm
chai tea or hot cocoa).

In general, habit trackers — whether analog or digital — help you track your "three Rs," playing up the
"reward" aspect of the routine. For example, one top-rated habit tracker app called "Streaks" helps you
create consistent habits that are designed to help you feel like you're building momentum. While many
habit tracker apps operate on a binary (you either did your workout for the day or you didn't), some —
including Way of Life — leave room for that gray area where you should still get some credit, but may ask
you to journal about why you didn't accomplish a certain action item. This self-reflection may help you get
to the root of why you skipped your habit, so you can get ahead of that mentality the next time.

In short: There's a lot of variation in how habit trackers can work, but most operate on the researched-
backed "three Rs."

Smith, J. (2022, February 10). Habit Trackers: The Simple Way to Change Your Habits. Shape.
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/mental-health/habit-trackers
List the words and expressions that are new to you

Click here and have fun learning new words.

1 2
 Click on the picture

and listen to the

song.

Habits (Stay High)

Tove Lo
Habits (Stay High)
Tove Lo
I eat my dinner in my bathtub, then I
go to sex clubs
Watchin' freaky people gettin' it on
It doesn't make me nervous, if
anything, I'm restless
Yeah, I've been around and I've
seen it all
I get home, I got the munchies
Binge on all my Twinkies
Throw up in the tub, then I go to
sleep
And I drank up all my money, dazed
and kinda lonely
You're gone and I gotta stay high
You're gone and I gotta stay high all
all the time
the time
To keep you off my mind, ooh, ooh
To keep you off my mind, ooh, ooh
High all the time
High all the time
To keep you off my mind, ooh, ooh
To keep you off my mind, ooh, ooh
Spend my days locked in a haze
Spend my days locked in a haze
Tryna forget you, babe, I fall back
Tryna forget you, babe, I fall back
down
down
Gotta stay high all my life to forget
Gotta stay high all my life to forget
I'm missin' you, ooh, ooh
I'm missin' you, ooh, ooh
Pick up daddies at the playground
Stayin' in my play pretend
How I spend my daytime
Where the fun ain't got no end, oh
Loosen up their frown, make 'em
Can't go home alone again
feel alive
Need someone to numb the pain,
I make it fast and greasy
oh
I'm numb and way too easy
 Click on the Lyrics

Training icon and have

fun learning the song.

 Click here and and find out
what kind of habits you’ve got.