It Turns Out That It's Not Long, This Is The Time It Takes For People To Form Habits

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JAKARTA - Habits are repeated behaviors that are done without thinking. This behavior can be in the form of small things that do not have much impact on life, such as turning pens. To big things that have the potential to affect health and welfare such as regular exercise.

Although it is not easy to get rid of, habits are not the same as addiction. That is, you still have control over habits and can try to create new habits whenever you want.

The formation of habits can take an average of 59 to 70 days. According to a study in 2021, as reported by Psychcentral, Wednesday, June 14, it takes about 59 days until new habits are formed automatically. In addition, if you apply a new habit with a sense of enthusiasm, then the formation time can happen faster.

However, the length of time it takes to shape habits can vary with each person. So it's not necessarily a habit that you want to achieve can be formed within two months. A study conducted in 2012 that discusses lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes. It is shown that implementing small changes every day based on time and location can encourage changes in behavior of habits within about 10 weeks.

The formation of habits relies heavily on the habit itself and individuals, explained Heather Wilson, a licensed clinical social worker from Blackwood, New Jersey. You can form habits faster, for example, if you are given incentives or supervised.

Unpleasant habits, although useful, may take longer to form. The introduction of rules, regulations, or boundaries may also force you to develop habits more quickly.

To give yourself the best chance to shape habits in two to three months, here are tips from Stephanie Gilbert, a licensed family therapist and marriage from Los Angeles, that you can apply.

1. Try to start small things

Gilbert recommends building a frequency of habits slowly. If your goal is to read before bed every night, for example, you can start by reading before bed every week.

2. Describe your goals into simple steps

People tend to stop behavior that feels more difficult to do. For that, try to make it easy for yourself. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, then start with a commitment to walk for 10 minutes a day.

3. Find a friend who also wants to make changes

Wilson also suggests improving shared habits with friends or family members. Apart from being able to be used as a source of support, friends will also help you to be more responsible.

4. Set aside each day

Scheduled time to do your new habits can also help. Digital exposure and scheduling programs can offer you a way to do habits. For example, if you want to start meditation, decide that you will do it in the morning for 10 minutes, in the room before waking up from bed.

5. Remember to respect yourself

Habits are part of learning and learning in the brain driven by awards. When you succeed in doing new behavior, rewarding yourself with something you like can provide a positive strengthening system.

In closing, habits can be in the form of positive, negative, or meaningless things at all. But this recurring behavior is under your control. Start from small things, do it on time, and give yourself a gift are all ways to encourage the formation of habits.

Building a habit that is time-based or implementing simple habits related to routines can also increase the time for the formation of habits. Finally, try to spend time and find what is best for you.