It is no easy task forming a new habit! You are literally forcing you mind and body to get used to something that it feels is out of the ordinary or not what it wants. In fact, according to some researchers, your mind and body actually try to fight back at first. If you’re starting a new diet it could be extremely strong cravings for all the wrong things, if it’s a workout regimen maybe you’ll feel prolonged muscle soreness. How many times have we all said, “This time I’ll do it!” only to ditch the diet a week in because you got offered a free ice cream cone and that started the domino effect.
Well I’m here to tell you that there is a reason those first few weeks are the hardest, but there IS a light at the end of the tunnel! Leading researchers have found that it takes approximately 21 days (3 weeks) to form a habit. Now, I don’t mean after three weeks everything becomes a piece of cake (sorry, that was unnecessary temptation). However, these studies on habit forming should give us hope because it means we ALL can do it!
The Theory…
The theory is that you must commit to something for 21 days with no break. If you want to form a habit of stretching, do it 21 days in a row, no matter what your schedule is like or how busy work is. This is where the real work comes in. After a long day, it’s easy to let slip the words, “one day off won’t hurt”. Actually… it will. Those same doctors that say it takes 21 days to form a habit also are strict about it being EVERY day. If you miss one day, even if it’s on the 19th day, you have to start the process over again. You need to give your mind and body time to realize that this isn’t something new or occasional, but a full on habit that will be a day-to-day activity.
The Challenge…
So here’s the challenge. Start small. Take an activity or ritual you want to make a habit and stick to it for 21 days straight, no breaks. It could be as simple as stretching for 5 minutes right before bed, or having a cold shower instead of a hot one. Whatever it is, make it happen and be hones with yourself. If you miss a day, go back to square one and begin again. In just under a month, it’ll start coming naturally to you as though you had been doing it your whole life. Click below for more…
