The amount of time you really need for a new habit – Science answers

The arrival of a new year often brings with it a list of promises we make to ourselves to be better people. 

From quitting smoking or eating a lot of sweets, to reading more or going to bed early, how long does it really take our bodies to adapt or quit a habit?

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There is a fairly widespread assumption that all you need to establish a new behavior pattern is 21 days.

However, a study conducted by scientists at the University of London showed that, on average, it takes 66 days for a habit to be established. That is, if in 2021 you want to exercise daily, it will most likely take you at least two months to get used to it.

It should be noted, however, that the time taken to form a habit is not exact. The truth is, it can vary significantly from person to person. The research, which examined the progress of 96 people’s new habits over a span of 12 weeks, revealed that it can take as little as 18 days to an impressive 254 days to automate certain behavior.

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But how long does it take us to finally give up an unwanted habit? In reality, this depends on a combination of personality, motivation, circumstances and the habit itself, explains Science Alert. 

However, it is believed that the longer you have had a habit, the longer it will take to get rid of it.

“Longtime habits are literally entrenched at the neural level, so they are powerful determinants of behavior,” explains neuroscientist Elliot Berkman, quoted by Science Alert.

• Scientists show how smoking worsens the course of Covid-19
• Elon Musk’s frantic pace of life: this is how the tycoon of the moment eats, sleeps and works
• China’s Simple Recipe to Stay Healthy
• These are the favorite habits of five famous women
• Smoking contributed to the development of schizophrenia and depression

In general, people who want to quit their habit for “reasons that are aligned with their personal values” will be able to change their behavior more quickly than those who do so for “external reasons”, such as pressure from loved ones or society.

Furthermore, to successfully break a habit more easily, you need strong motivation to drive it.