How to never miss taking your pills again

Better yet, what if you never forgot to take them in the first place?

Think about it.

There are already things you do every day that you don’t have to remember to do. 

You don’t need to remember to put on underwear, brush your teeth or grab a cup of coffee in the morning. You do all of those things without thinking. 

To add a new daily pill taking habit, we are going to piggyback off one of these habits you have already mastered. 

The technique is called Habit Stacking. 

What is habit stacking?

Habit stacking is taking a habit you want to start doing everyday (new habit) and pairing it with a habit you already do everyday (anchor habit).

A great anchor habit is one that you do everyday in a consistent time and place.

Pro tip: You will need water to take pills, so make sure the consistent time and place is near water.

What is a visual cue?

A visual cue is an object deliberately placed where you would normally do your anchor habit (a consistent time and place).

The visual cue will remind you of your new habit and ideally helps you perform the new habit. 

A great visual cue is one that is highly specific and immediately actionable.

In your case, the visual cue is easy - use your pill case.

Making your own habit stacking plan

Now let’s make your habit stacking plan.

Spend a few moments reflecting on your daily routines.

What do you do right after you wake up in the morning and right before you go to bed?

Are there any anchor habits that jump out to you? 

Here’s what an amazing habit stacking plan will look like: 

After I [anchor habit], I will immediately take my pills for the day. 

I have left my pill case in a visible part of [anchor habit consistent place] as a reminder of my new habit

Easy ideas for anchor habits

• Brushing your teeth

• Drinking a cup of coffee

• Turning out lights before bed (make taking your pills 2nd to last thing before bed)

• Putting on your underwear

• Putting on your pajamas

• Grabbing a glass of water for your bedside table

Anchor habits to stay away from

• Bad habits (i.e. anything you’ve told yourself “I wish I didn’t do this anymore”)

• Habits that are done everyday, but not in a consistent time and place

• Habits that are done in a consistent time and place, but not everyday