New habits acquired in lockdown?

Maxwell Maltz coined the phrase 21/90 rule on habits, which means, it takes 21 days for something to become a habit, and 90 days for it to form part of your lifestyle”, however additional research suggest that it could take up to a period of 2 months to form a habit. Unfortunately a lot longer to break. Habits are subjective to the individual and some are even cultural in nature (which is not what we will discuss here). The basic rule is, if it makes you into a better person physically, mentally, spiritually and strengthens the relationships with yourself and those around you, then it is good!. However, if the new habits have a negative effect in areas of your life and challenges your relationships negatively, or has an adverse impact on your body and mind or your work, then one should consider the habit which has formed.

The immediate definition of a habit as a noun suggests it is a “recurrent , often unconscious pattern of behaviour that is acquired through frequent repetition”. This can be helpful for a brain that is always trying to find pattern. So on a subconscious level that allows the brain to not have to think too much about something, so it can use the mental aspect for other important things, (you would think habit falls in this category), and it becomes automatic or routine. However, this applies to both good and bad habits. It is a fixed way of thinking, willing, or feeling that is learned and ingrained through previous repetition of a mental experience.

So now that we know the brain enjoys patterns, the more you do of it, the more likely you are going to continue it. You can imagine the same applies if you have ever tried changing your routine, a new eating plan, or exercise plan, trying to “perceive” a new thought or a making space for a different kind of relationship. Your old habits and patterns have a way of directing your decision making capabilities as well. The left brain, right brain paradox. Where instilled perception actually guides your free will.

When we complete the cycle of a trigger, craving, response and reward too many times, it changes the neurobiology and we start craving the thing that brings the brain the pleasure and reward. So you going to have to retrain your dragon, if you suspect the new habit is getting in your way of living. Contact info@delenestrydom.com for appointments to assist in moving forward and showing up to a greater self.