How long does it take to break a habit with practices?

The time it takes to break a habit with yoga and meditation practices varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the habit, the individual's consistency with practice, and the level of emotional attachment to the habit. However, LON teacher and mentors and research suggests a general timeline:

1. General Timeline for Habit Formation and Change:

• 21 Days: Early psychological studies suggested that it takes about 21 days to form a new habit, but this is often an oversimplification.

• 66 Days: More recent research indicates that, on average, it takes around

  66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. This can vary widely depending on the individual and the habit being addressed.

Factors Influencing the Time to Break a Habit:

1. Complexity of the Habit: Simple habits may take less time to break (a few weeks), while deeply ingrained or emotionally driven habits could take several months.

   
   

2. Consistency in Practice: The more consistently you practice (daily or several times a week), the sooner you may see changes in your habits.

   
   

3. Emotional Attachment: Habits that are tied to strong emotions, such as stress eating or smoking, may take longer to break because they require deeper emotional healing through practices like breath work and active meditation.

   
   

4. Support and Reflection: Having a support system, reflecting on progress, and reinforcing positive behaviours can also accelerate the process.

Practical Expectations:

• Short-Term Progress (1-4 Weeks): In the first few weeks, you may notice an increased awareness of the habit and its triggers. You might begin to create space between the urge and the action.

• Medium-Term Change (1-3 Months): With consistent practice, you can start rewiring the brain, gradually weakening old habit loops and strengthening new, healthier patterns.

• Long-Term Results (3-6 Months or More): After several months, new behaviors can become more automatic, and old habits may lose their power. Continuous yoga and meditation helps maintain these changes and prevent relapses.

Conclusion:

On average, breaking a habit with meditation could take anywhere from 1-3 months, but this timeline may be longer or shorter depending on personal factors. Consistency, awareness, and emotional healing are key components of the process.