How Long Does It Take To Create A Healthy Habit?

Kathryn Merrow
March 1st, 2009
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I hate to tell you, because you probably already know, but, er…a lot of your pain and diseases just may be caused by unhealthy habits. There. It’s out.

So how long did it take you to develop these “bad” habits? And, what are they?

Only you can answer the first question, but it probably happened over a long time. You probably already know the answers to the second question, but I’ll list a few here.

Poor or slouchy posture.
Not enough healthy, fresh foods; too much processed, “fast” and “junk” foods.
Too little movement and exercise.
Too much television viewing or device use and too little sleep.

I have GOOD NEWS for you! You can change all of those things, and more. Your body wants to be well and healthy. Sometimes it just needs some help from you.

Unhealthy habits interfere with your good health. They are not health promoters. You want to feel good until you die, right?

So, how long does it take to create a healthy habit?

I have read that if we do something faithfully for 21 days, it becomes a new “habit.” That’s not too long, that’s only 3 measly little weeks, right?

If you forget, forgive yourself and just get going again.

Here are some tips to help you get started so you can change “bad” habits into “good” ones.

Let’s use slouching as an example.

Identify your problem behavior. Put a name on it like “I slouch.”
Imagine what your life would be like with your new habit. (I will look better. My back won’t hurt.)
Practice the new habit every day for 21 days. Each time you catch yourself in the old posture, correct it.
Start to rely on the new habit. Admire your new posture in the mirror.

If poor posture is your “bad” habit, go to SimpleStrengthening.com to get more information on easily correcting your posture and getting a strong back. I have lots of great articles there to help you.

So, there you have it.

When is the best time to start changing your habits? Why, now, of course!

“Because You Deserve to Feel Better!”

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