You need at least 3 months (not 3 weeks) to embed a healthy habit, says new research 🏃♀️
And some people need a whole year! Worth knowing after the Christmas fun.
The popular belief that it takes 21 days to embed a new habit has been busted by new research published this month.
Forming a new healthy habit till it becomes automatic actually takes on average 3-5 months.
This is according to findings by scientists who reviewed 20 pieces of research in this field. (The study link is at the end for paid subs).
Their research looked at the habit changes of more than 2,600 people working on a broad spectrum of behavioural change.
These included eating more healthily, exercising, being seated less, stretching, drinking more water, taking vitamin C, and flossing teeth but most specifically whatever the goal, how long healthful behaviours take to become “automatic” behaviours.
The review from the University of South Australia concluded:
“Our research indicates that habit formation typically requires a duration of 2 to 5 months for most health behaviours to become automatic. This insight is critical, as it sets more realistic expectations for individuals attempting lifestyle changes.”
Here are the tips the researchers discovered help turn a healthy behaviour into a habit and make it automatic.
As in, you do it without even thinking.
I’ve put my comments alongside on how we can apply some of these tips to implement and ingrain gut-health habits - with all the benefits from better digestion and bones to brain and immune function - for the long term.
Do said healthy behaviour in the morning. Motivation for many is higher in the morning and it gets the job over and done with.