What Is The Best Time to Quit a Bad Habit?

It cannot be denied that people develop habits every day of their life. Experts in psychology think that a particular behavior turns into a habit after 21 days of practice (while some believe people develop a specific habit after 66 days). Some of these habits are healthy while some are very harmful. In any case, there is no denying that it is a bit tricky to quit a particular habit as your body gets used to it.break-smoking-habit

While it is true that it is not easy to break a particular habit such as smoking, experts believe, though, it is highly possible.

Habit Discontinuity Theory

Experts from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom were testing a theory which they call "habit discontinuity." The researchers found that altering a behavior is particularly effective and easier during a major life change — for example, when you change the job or move house.

According to the study, individuals become more open to make a change in their life at the same time of a major event.

This study, which was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, involved a total of 800 participants. The important thing to mention is that 50 percent of the participants had moved house in the past six months, while the other half didn’t have any considerable events or changes.

The researchers found out that those people who moved house were more environment-friendly as opposed to those participants who had been living in the same house.

Now, here are the essential findings: The study suggests that each person is given a so-called "window of opportunity" during a major life change to break some habit. It is important to note, though, that such opportunity only lasts for three months subsequent to a major life change, according to researchers.

The lead author of the study, Professor Bas Verplanken, said that during the said period people are more open to new information and new ideas.

Perfect Time to Quit Smoking

For many people, smoking (which is deemed to be one of the most detrimental habits) seems to be their "best friend." This is because it feels like it helps them ease pressure and get rid of stress that they might get at work or from people who surround them.

So if you are a smoker who is planning to quit this bad habit sometime in the future, remember that it would be much easier to do around the time of a major change in your life.