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How Long Does It Take To Create A Healthy Habit?

Last updated:
9 July 2026
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Written by
Kathryn Merrow
,
Neuromuscular Massage Therapist
This article was reviewed for accuracy by 
Linda Hayes
, BSc Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine.

In This Article

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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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A note from Kathryn: I am not a medical doctor. I am someone with a lot of experience and training in how bodies get pain and how they get rid of it. The information here is educational and based on my 40+ years as a neuromuscular therapist. If your pain continues, gets worse, or you are worried about it, please see your doctor or a specialist. Your body is worth it.
About the writer
Kathryn Merrow is a neuromuscular therapist with more than 40 years of experience helping people find the causes of their muscle pain and release it naturally. Known as The Pain Relief Coach, she teaches simple, logical ways to understand your body so you can get rid of pain instead of just managing it. Pain is a symptom. Kathryn helps you treat the cause.
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