YELLOW BRICK ROAD MUSIC

HABIT TO BREAK

This bad habit is one that I rarely hear discussed, though my dentist tells me I’m not alone. You see, I’m a cheek biter. It’s a nervous habit that I share with my sister. It can be compared to fingernail biting, in that it’s an unhealthy habit and equally difficult to break. And nothing makes me want to quit more than seeing a picture or video of myself mid-chew…it’s not flattering. Also, it’s a terrible way to treat my teeth and mouth.

I know it won’t be easy, especially since it’s a lifelong habit. It’ll probably require some reminders from my husband, a nudge in the ribs (or two), and a lot of hard work. However, I’m confident that I can do it. Or at the very least, reduce the frequency.

Are there any other cheek biters out there? If so, do you have any tips on how I can successfully break this habit? I’d love to hear your ideas!

HABIT TO MAKE

I want to play music for my own personal enjoyment every day. I’m sure many of you can relate to this. You’re surrounded by music all day, and you play instruments for your kids, but you rarely make time to play music purely for your own enjoyment. I’m reminded of this fact every time I dust off my guitar, piano, and other instrument cases. And yet, I derive such immense joy when I choose to play. You know the feeling.So, I’m going to do my best to make this a daily priority. I’m going to play and/or sing for my own enjoyment, even if I only have five minutes to spare. In fact, I think I’ll take those five minutes right now…

Done √

Now I just need to do that every day for the nextΒ 10 weeks, and science says it’s likely to become a habit.

 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

Speaking of habits, I bet you all wish I’d start back on that habit of doing giveaways. Well, today’s your lucky day! I’m teaming up with Elizabeth from Organized Chaos and Michelle from Music with Miss W for a giveaway. Each of us will be giving away a goody bag full of treats to help make your teacher heart happy.

1. $10 Starbucks Gift Card 2. Ceramic Travel Mug 3. Instrument Flashcards 4. Weekly To Do Memo Pad
5. Sticky Note Pad & Page Flags 6. Day of the Week Pencils 7. Day of the Week Mini Clips

To enter the giveaway:

1. Comment on this post with one habit you’d like to make or break.
2. Enter your email address in the giveaway below so that I can notify you if you win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you aren’t already, I’ll be adding you to my mailing list for my newsletter so that you’ll be sure to catch my next giveaway along with exclusive free downloads. Act quickly, we’ll announce winners this Friday! Also, be sure to visit Elizabeth and Michelle’s post (by clicking on the images below) to triple your chances of winning!

23 Responses

  1. One habit I’d like to break is sitting down on the stool while I teach! It makes me more tired and I want to be energetic!

    1. I used to sit on the edge of my desk. I often thought of getting a stool, but just like you, I knew I'd be tempted to use it too often. It's hard to be energetic when you're mentally drained, but it's so much fun to get up and move and dance around with the kids πŸ™‚ Let me know how it goes with breaking your habit, and good luck!!

  2. One habit I'd like to make is to sit up with better posture. I automatically sit with good posture when playing an instrument but I'm a terrible sloucher when I'm not.

    1. I almost made this my "need to break it" habit. I too have great posture when playing, but tend to slouch otherwise. Yoga helped me some, but mostly I have to constantly remind myself to sit/stand straight.

    1. I hear ya. I got a Datexx Timer Cube, and it's the only reason I remember to get up and move. Good luck on breaking the nail biting habit, I'm already failing at breaking my own cheek biting habit…. πŸ™‚

  3. A healthy habit that I want to start is to become more active each day. In some small way, I just want to add an extra exercise or activity to my normal lifestyle.

    1. This is SUCH a hard one for teachers. I used to attempt quick 20 minute workouts, but I hated them. I've finally settled on really long walks. It takes me a long time, but I enjoy walking and podcasts help keep me entertained πŸ™‚

    1. Ooh, that's a hard one! I've had to turn mine face down on my nightstand and make a rule that I can't check it once I'm laying down.

  4. I want to try to stop hitting the snooze button! I always feel better when I get up on time and allow plenty of time for the whole family to get out of the door int he morning. It is a much more pleasant way to begin the day! Yet, I always find myself hitting the snooze button and rushing to get out the door!

    1. I know what you mean. It always feels so good to be ahead of the game. Have you tried setting an alarm across the room so that you have to get up to turn it off? It would be annoying, but might keep you from hitting the snooze πŸ™‚

  5. I want to make the habit of listening to more music for myself – both at open times at work and at home. This will be music of all genres from meditative to active dance music! My psyche is in need of this!

    1. Yes!! I thought of this when I heard of Tom Petty's passing. I tend to forget how much healing occurs when I listen to music πŸ™‚

  6. Hi Abigail,

    My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.

    I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog The Yellow Brick Road has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Music Education Blogs on the web.

    https://blog.feedspot.com/music_education_blogs/

    I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Music Education Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!

    Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.

    Best,
    Anuj