How Long Does it Take to Change Your Habits?

Forming healthy habits is the key to feeling great every day. While trying out a new routine is easy, it’s much harder to form a long-lasting habit. How long does it take? According to a study done at University College London, it takes about two months to change your habits. Don’t quit if it takes longer, as some habits are easier to form than others. 

Why Should You Change Your Habits?

Starting and keeping good habits can add years to your life and help reduce the risk of severe illnesses like cancer or diabetes. Healthy habits can also significantly increase the quality of your life. The sooner you start, the better.

Why Is It Difficult to Break Habits?

Some bad habits, like not getting enough sleep, are hard to break once you start. While people recognize that some habits are bad, changing their behaviors is challenging. Habits, even bad ones, release dopamine. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter and a hormone. Dopamine is vital for your body to function properly and is associated with movement, memory, pleasure, and motivation. Don’t give up if it takes a while to break your bad habits. There will be setbacks over time, but if you’re persistent, you will succeed.

What Are The Best Habits?

A Harvard study found that the following five habits could extend your life expectancy by ten years:

• Eating healthy. This includes many nutritious fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats. Foods like red or processed meat and trans fats should only be eaten in moderation. Remember to drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Regular exercise. You should be spending at least half an hour exercising. Doing an activity you enjoy, like a fast-paced walk, will make it easier to do regularly.

• Maintaining a consistent, healthy weight. Many adults tend to gain weight as they grow older, even if they exercise and eat right. Their metabolism slows, they lose muscle, and they go through hormonal changes that lead to weight gain. 

• Don’t smoke or vape. Smoking can affect all body organs and lead to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and more. No amount of smoking is good for your body.

• Limiting alcohol. Limiting your daily alcohol consumption to around one drink per day for women and two per man on average is recommended. Women tend to have less water, more fat, and less alcohol dehydrogenase, so they shouldn’t drink as much. Dehydrogenase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol molecules in your body. 

Creating healthy habits can be challenging, but you can be successful if you set achievable goals, stay positive, and reach out for support.

Learn More About Longevity Herbs

Along with forming good habits, consider adding a healthy vitamin or supplement to your diet if you want to keep your health needs covered. At Longevity Herbs, we are happy to help!

If you’d like to learn more about Longevity Herbs, browse our product selection online, or contact us today.