'Wellness pairing' is the low-effort hack to a healthier life

Sticking to new habits just got easier

It can be hard to have the self-discipline to stick to new habits. TikTok users are taking part in the ‘wellness pairing’ trend as a way to commit to several new habits at once.

Many of us are starting to make mental lists of new habits we plan to pick up in the new year, and the lists keep getting longer.

We can often set ourselves up for failure by trying to make too many changes to our lives at once, quickly overwhelming our brains and schedules.

The new TikTok trend of ‘wellness pairing’ is being sold as the way to actually implement and stick with new habits.

What is wellness pairing?

Users are combining habits and doing two or more things at once to ensure their wellness routines don’t span the course of their entire days.

From meditating in saunas, to listening to a podcast while walking, people are finding ways to complete more wellness activities in less time.

Burnout coach and health consultant Michelle Porter told Bustle the hack can not only fend off overwhelm, but boost the benefits of the combined habits. 

“Think of it as a strategic multitasking tool – not just a productivity hack, but a way to align your health goals with the limited time you have,” she said.

“For example, pairing a 20-minute sauna session with meditation doesn’t just save time; it creates a synergistic effect by enhancing relaxation and recovery simultaneously.”

If committing to two or more new habits at a time still feels overwhelming, you can make the trend work for you by combining a new habit with an existing habit so you’re reminded to commit to the new one.

Perfect pairs

Many of us already layer our serums and creams to treat multiple skin concerns at once, but there are endless ways to take pairings further for more benefits. 

Porter suggested trying to find related habits to make the hack easier for yourself. 

“By aligning habits that complement each other, you can build a more sustainable routine, maximize your time, and achieve better results with less effort,” she said. “Start small, test what works for you, and enjoy the compounded benefits of habits that stick.”

Some habits that go together:

• Listening to a motivational podcast during your morning walk
• Putting a face mask on while reading
• Stretching while getting some Vitamin D in the sunshine
• Meditating while having a relaxing bath
• Meal prepping while Facetiming a friend 
• Drinking a glass of water while writing in a gratitude journal
• Watching the sunset while doing breathwork
• Walking the dog and taking time off of your phone
• Going to a pilates class with a friend to socialise while you sweat

Originally published as 'Wellness pairing' is the low-effort hack to a healthier life