How Long Does It Take To Break A Bad Habit?
- A new study claims it will take some time to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions.
- The time it takes to break a bad habit varies from person to person, but according to scientific data, it takes 66 days on average to change your behavior.
- How hard your old habits die will depend on what they are, as some behaviors take longer to change than others.
Do you have a bad habit that you want to get rid of? Maybe you bite your nails, smoke, or procrastinate.
Whatever it is, you are not alone. Many people struggle with breaking bad habits, especially around the new year, when they make resolutions to change their lives for the better. But how long does it take to break a bad habit, and what can you do to make it easier and faster?
In this article, I will share with you the latest scientific findings on how long it takes to break a bad habit, and some tips on how to make it easier and faster. But first, let's define what a bad habit is, why people want to break them, and what are some common examples of bad habits.
How long does it take to break a bad habit?A bad habit is a behavior that is harmful, unhealthy, or undesirable. People want to break bad habits because they interfere with their goals, well-being, or happiness. Some common examples of bad habits are smoking, drinking, overeating, gambling, or spending too much time on social media.
But how long does it take to break a bad habit? A new study claims it will take some time to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions. The time it takes to break a bad habit varies from person to person, but according to scientific data, it takes 66 days on average to change your behavior. This means that if you start today, you will need about two months to form a new habit or get rid of an old one.
Why do some habits take longer to change than others? However, not all habits are created equal. Some behaviors take longer to change than others, depending on how complex, ingrained, or rewarding they are. For example, it may take longer to quit smoking than to stop biting your nails, because smoking involves physical addiction, social cues, and emotional triggers. Similarly, it may take longer to start exercising regularly than to drink more water, because exercising requires more effort, planning, and motivation.
Therefore, the 66-day rule is not a magic number, but an average. Some habits may take shorter or longer to change, depending on various factors, such as your personality, environment, and support system.
How to break a bad habit in 66 days or less. So, how can you break a bad habit in 66 days or less? Here are some tips that can help you:
- Identify the root cause of your bad habit. Why do you do it? What triggers it? What benefits do you get from it? Once you understand the underlying reasons for your bad habit, you can find healthier alternatives to replace it.
- Set a specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) goal. For example, instead of saying "I want to quit smoking", say "I want to smoke less than 5 cigarettes a day by the end of the month".
- Track your progress and reward yourself. Use a calendar, a journal, or an app to record your daily actions and achievements. Celebrate your milestones and successes with something that makes you happy, such as a treat, a compliment, or a hobby.
- Be consistent and patient. Breaking a bad habit is not a one-time event, but a process. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. Don't give up if you slip up or face challenges. Learn from your mistakes and keep going. Remember, it gets easier with practice.
Breaking a bad habit is not easy, but it is possible. According to science, it takes about 66 days to change your behavior, but some habits may take longer or shorter depending on various factors. The key is to be consistent, motivated, and patient. You can do it!
Do you have any bad habits that you want to break? Have you tried any of the tips I suggested? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.