personal experiment in environment change

Here’s my story kvmohan@stanford.edu

3 1

health improvements

week

Changed my surroundings

Changed my surroundings

Formed three new habits Circadian rhythm Bike safety Drinking water

1 Open Sesame Leave window blinds open all day

Concept Direct sunlight in the morning Shines right on my bed Wakes me up early

Goal Rise early without alarm clock

Risks Changing existing sleep patterns

2 Locked in Lock helmet to bike

Concept Lock helmet to bike

Goal Wear helmet every time I bike

3 Drink up Prepare water bottles

Concept Fill two water bottles One for desk One for backpack

Filled and placed the night before

Results 3 big successes!

Many surprises

Related behaviors Waking early

à  eating breakfast à  sleeping earlier à  no unhealthy late night snacks

Related behaviors Bottles

à  fewer water fountain trips à  fewer study breaks to walk,

stretch, etc.

Surprise: Drink more, walk less!?

Effort-effect Open blinds was least preparation

But it was most natural to follow through on and most powerful

Motivation = lowest priority! Open blinds = do it once ever

Bike and bottles = daily routine àsecond nature

Thanks for viewing! Questions? Suggestions? kvmohan@stanford.edu