The Rhythm of Routine
We all know the importance of a good routine. As human beings, our brains crave structure. We’re programmed to notice patterns and we constantly want to gain a deeper knowledge about what’s happening around us. When we’re grounded, move with purpose and direction towards our goals. When we’re stuck in our head, we create imaginary obstacles that make our daily lives so much harder than they already are. Maybe you’re familiar with the saying “it takes 21 days to make or break a habit” and that’s definitely an obstacle we’ll need to be aware of. That being said, it might actually take us a bit longer on average to form those healthy habits. And interestingly enough, the origins of the “three week theory” has less to do with habits than we might have originally thought. That concept is brought to us by plastic surgeon Maxwell Maltz in his book Psycho-Cybernetics. This 1960s self-help book suggested that it took Maltz’s patients about 21 days to get used to their new facial appearance after surgery. While there is no formal experiment to back this up, the book suggests this 21 day timeframe is needed to adjust to a variety of other aspects in life, and thus the phrase was born! If you’re anything like me, this summer flew by! So let’s dive in, talk about some helpful ways to form routines, and reminisce on our favorite summer moments together.
The holiday weekend at the beginning of the month was the perfect opportunity to spend some long anticipated time with my family in Cape Cod before the school season is really in full swing. Typically referred to as “the bookend of summer”, Labor Day weekend is a great time to enjoy one more big celebration and reflect on a summer of fun! This time of year feels very similar to the beginning of the calendar year. Opportunities are plentiful as we harvest the seeds we planted in January and prepare for the hibernation season that follows this abundant time. In the previous paragraph, I mentioned how it might actually take us longer than three weeks for healthy habits to become part of our daily routines. According to a study conducted in 2009, researchers discovered the range is more likely between 18-254 days, taking about 66 days to reliably incorporate your new activity as part of your routine. What’s the easiest and most effective way to form new habits? Repetition repetition, repetition! Results from that same study suggest that consistent daily repetition was the largest factor in determining whether the intention would become routine. Further, the more complex, the longer it takes for the brain to internalize the habit. I say all this to encourage you to continue to choose yourself, your routines, and anything else that makes you feel good! Some of our ideas take longer to solidify into daily life and that is simply due to their complex nature and reduced opportunity to practice the skill. Don’t be discouraged. You’re a rockstar!
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Resource: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-form-a-habit/
