So, New Year…New Habits! But, How Long Does It Really Take To Create A New Habit?

They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. That’s kind of a weird idea though, isn’t it? It doesn’t take that long to form a bad habit. And sometimes no matter how hard we try it takes us a lot longer to form a new habit.

So how long does it really take to create a new habit? The answer is that it depends. It depends on your mindset and it depends on how big of a change it is from what you are doing now. If it is your habit to eat a bowl of ice cream at night and you switch from regular ice cream to a low sugar frozen yogurt version, it’s probably not going to take you very long to make that new habit. Giving up ice cream altogether though or cutting out all sugar on the other hand might take a lot longer.

When we ask that question, what we really want to know is how long do we have to tough it out before it gets easier. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel where we don’t have to try so hard anymore? In other words, when will this new behavior become automatic?

While it will be different from one person to the next and even from one habit to the next, there are a few things to keep in mind.

It’s easier to make a new habit than get rid of an old one. Be prepared to work a lot harder to give up checking your email every 2 minutes or snacking late at night. Whenever possible, try to replace an old habit with a new one. For example, if you’re wanting to give up coffee, brew a cup of herbal tea in the morning and throughout the day when you would usually reach for your cup of Joe.

Habits will form faster if you stick to the same time and environment each day. Instead of going for a walk whenever, keep your sneakers next to the door and schedule your walk every day at 6pm, right after dinner for example.

A constant reminder of why you’re trying to change your behavior is also helpful. Remind yourself every day that you’re exercising so your body stays strong and you can go play with the friends or siblings in the yard. Or, put up a picture to remind you that you’re making frugal habits so that you can one day get the best exam grade or test prep score to get into your dream college. Keep your reason why you’re changing front and center and then be prepared to stick it out. Yes, we know that it will take some time to make new habits and replace old ones. However, it will be well worth it in the end.

As true believers in Holistic Education, and the awesome benefits of maintaining balance and connection between the mind, body and soul – we’ve started a 21-day Yoga and Meditation Chelsea “New You” Challenge. To take part in the Chelsea “New You” Challenge 2019, simply join the Chelsea Instagram page here and the Chelsea FB page here and get 21 days of Yoga and Meditation videos, pictures, and affirmations. We hope that the balance and connection you find in the next 21-days will become your new lifetime habits.

So, come on…let’s get to doing the “New You” for 2019!

P.s. Remember to take some pictures BEFORE you start the challenge!!!