Habit bundling, also known as habit stacking, is one of the simplest ways to create healthy habits that actually stick, especially if you’re ready to change your lifestyle without burning out or starting over every Monday.
If you want want better mornings.
Better routines.
Better habits that don’t disappear the second life gets busy…
Habit bundling can help you get there.
It’s not about reinventing yourself overnight, but rather growing into a calmer, healthier, more put-together version of yourself over time.
That’s where habit bundling (also known as habit stacking) comes in.
The reason is because habit bundling helps you build better habits into the life you already have.
It takes simple habits that already exist, like brushing your teeth in the morning, and expanding on that.
So, if you’ve been wondering what is habit bundling and how people use it to create habits that actually last, this might be the reset you’ve been looking for.
What Is Habit Bundling?
Let’s keep this simple.
Habit bundling is when you attach a new habit you want to build to a habit you already do automatically.
Instead of trying to create a brand-new routine from scratch, you “bundle” it with something that’s already part of your day.
For example:
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Brushing your teeth → stretching for 2 minutes
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Making coffee → taking vitamins
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Getting into bed → reading one page
You’re not changing your whole schedule. You’re just layering something new onto something familiar.
That’s why habit bundling works.
It uses momentum you already have instead of relying on motivation.
Momentum is sometimes all your need because starting often the HARDEST part.
Why Habit Bundling Works
Here’s the thing no one really tells you about how to create habits:
Most people don’t fail because they’re lazy. They fail because they try to change too much, too fast, without any structure.
Habit bundling works because:
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Your brain loves routines and patterns
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You don’t have to remember the habit, it’s triggered automatically
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It removes decision fatigue (“Should I do this or not?”)
Instead of depending on willpower (which disappears the second you’re tired or stressed), you’re building habits into your existing life.
That’s a game changer.
The Key to Creating Healthy Habits That Stick
If you want habit bundling to actually work, here’s the rule you can’t skip:
Your new habit has to be small. Like, almost embarrassingly small.
This is where people mess up. They try to bundle:
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A 30-minute workout
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A full journaling session
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A 10-step skincare routine
And then they wonder why it doesn’t last.
Better options:
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One stretch
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One sentence
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One deep breath
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One glass of water
Healthy habits don’t stick because they’re impressive. They stick because they’re easy enough to do on your worst days.
And then, as time goes on, you can build up to bigger habits.
Easy Habit Bundling Examples You Can Start Today
Let’s make this practical. Here are realistic habit bundling ideas you can steal without overhauling your life.
Morning Habit Bundles
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After I get out of bed → I drink a full glass of water
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After I brush my teeth → I apply sunscreen to my face
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After I open my laptop → I write down one priority for the day
Recommended Read: Create Your Own Customized Morning Routine: 5 Essential Elements
Afternoon Habit Bundles
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After I eat lunch → I take a 5-minute walk
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After I refill my water bottle → I take three deep breaths
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After I check Slack → I roll my shoulders or stretch
Evening Habit Bundles
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After I change into pajamas → I dim the lights
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After I plug in my phone → I journal one line
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After I get into bed → I read one page
Recommended Read: The Ultimate Nighttime Routine Checklist for Better Sleep
Notice how none of these feel extreme.
That’s intentional.
Whatever your goals are or whatever new habits you want to create, you can find small, little things to add into your routine.
How to Create Habits Using Habit Bundling (Step-by-Step)
If you like a simple framework, here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Pick an Automatic Habit
Choose something you already do every day without thinking:
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Brushing your teeth
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Making coffee
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Getting into bed
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Opening your phone
If it’s already automatic, it’s a perfect anchor.
Step 2: Choose a Tiny New Habit
Ask yourself: What’s the smallest version of this habit I could do?
Not:
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“Journal for 20 minutes”
But:
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“Write one sentence”
Small = sustainable.
Step 3: Link Them Clearly
Use this formula:
After I [existing habit], I will [new habit].
Write it down or say it out loud. The clearer the connection, the stronger the habit.
Step 4: Let It Be Boring
Don’t rush to level up. Boring means consistent, and consistent habits are the ones that last.
Common Habit Bundling Mistakes to Avoid
A few gentle warnings before you go all-in:
❌ Making the habit too big
Start smaller than you think you need to.
❌ Bundling with an inconsistent habit
If you only do it “sometimes,” it’s not a strong anchor.
❌ Trying to bundle too many habits at once
One or two habit bundles is more than enough.
❌ Expecting instant results
Healthy habits compound quietly. You’ll notice over time, not overnight.
Why Habit Bundling Fits Real Life So Well
If your days already feel full, habit bundling is perfect.
You’re not adding more time.
You’re not creating complicated routines.
You’re not chasing a “perfect” version of yourself.
You’re working with the life you already have.
That’s why habit bundling (habit stacking) is one of the most sustainable ways to build healthy habits—especially when life feels busy, unpredictable, or overwhelming.
You Don’t Need a New Life, Just Better Anchors
If you remember one thing from this, let it be this:
You don’t need more willpower. You need better systems.
Habit bundling makes learning how to create habits feel lighter, kinder, and way more realistic.
Start with one tiny habit.
Attach it to something you already do.
Let it grow when it’s ready.
That’s how real change actually happens, quietly, consistently, and without burning yourself out.
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