Fighting to stick to your resolutions? It takes at least two months to build a habit

When January is coming to an end, many of us can try to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. But don’t give up yet. Scientists say that it takes not only 21 days, but at least two months to transform a new habit into part of your routine.

New test From the University of South Australia (UNISA), he questions the widespread belief that arises in just 21 days. Scientists have examined how much time it takes to determine health -related habits, such as exercises, drinking water, taking vitamins and dental threads. The results of meta-analysis, which evaluated 20 studies conducted in the years 2008–2023, with the participation of over 2,600 participants revealed that it usually takes about two months-some cases of almost a year.

The study noted that although some health habits took the median 59-66 days, some may take up to 335 days. “Sometimes we found that simple behavior (such as), if someone would like to start gluing every day, they can take someone a week to get to their routine, but more complex behaviors, such as changing diet and physical activity, may take much longer , “Ben Singh, co -author of the study he said CNN.

Singh also noticed that people who want to build healthy habits, such as better food or more exercises, can be more successful if they practice them in the morning when motivation is higher.

Scientists believe that current discoveries would help “determine realistic expectations” about creating habits, encouraging them to remain involved, even if progress seems slow.

The idea that habits are formed in 21 days falls on the Maxwell Maltz plastic surgeon, who noticed that his patients, regardless of whether they return to work with their nose or amputations, usually need about 21 days to adapt to the new appearance . This led to the theory that people would take the same period to accept new behavior.

“There is a possibility that it will discourage them and can discourage them and demotivate them. (Ale) Some people (who) may think that it will take them 21 days, but after 21 days they are still fighting, then they fight, then they fight, they fight. At least these studies and this evidence provide people with realistic reference points that can follow, “Singh noted.