If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I have no qualms about running with a theme, no matter how gimmicky or pun-ny I have to be. Last year, when I turned 25 I wrote a list of 25 things I wanted to accomplish that year.

Months ago, I started thinking about what project or challenge I could do for 26. I decided against making another list, because honestly I couldn’t think of five new, interesting things I wanted to accomplish this year, much less 26. Combine that with the challenges already scheduled for this year: Passing my comprehensive exam, finding a practicum, graduating, finding a job, moving…?? All things I need to do before my next birthday.

So, rather than make a long list, I’ve decided to challenge myself to work on two new habits every two months (that’s… Six sets of Two habits). Every two months, I will pick one health habit and one life habit that I want to incorporate and work on. By the end of the two months, hopefully these habits will stick.

I’m starting a little late this month, but announcing my first two habits for Aug/Sept….

Healthy Habit: No more nighttime snacking. I wrote about this in my last blog, and like Summer said in the comments.. “I can go all damn day eating well and then when those midnight hunger pangs flare up, suddenly a handful of chips and some yogurt with granola and maybe a slice of leftover pizza seems like the best idea ever. Ugh. Bad.” 

After talking with a lot of people about food habits and weight loss, it seems like nighttime eating is a very specific behavior, and one of the hardest bad food habits to break. I am a night owl, so no food after dinner isn’t always an option. There is a huge difference, however, between a planned snack after the gym and continuous grazing until bedtime. Ideally, I would like to stop eating 3-4 hours before bed since I’m not usually doing much that needs “fueling” during these hours anyway.

Thai Chai and Late-Night Lizzie

For the last few days, I’ve been pretty resolved, and I’ve even shocked myself. Yes, four days without nighttime eating is an accomplishment for me! I’ve been drinking decaf Thai Coconut Chai with milk and stevia when I feel snacky, and the process of making it and drinking it has helped. It is nice to be able to feel good about an entire day, rather than the whole day until I ate all the leftovers at midnight.

Life Habit: Organize my time. I learned the hard way that making general goals doesn’t really work, so specifically this means that I will be using my calendar (Google + Syncing to phone) to schedule everything that actually needs to be done.  Using a calendar and sticking to it will not only help me with school and work, but it will also help to keep self care on my priorities list.

Have you made any goals this month? What are your strategies to keep your time organized? Favorite apps or websites?