How long does it take to break a habit?
You might be trying to quit drinking. You might be trying to quit eating unhealthy food. You might be trying to stop shutting yourself off from new hobbies or experiences. We all have habits we’re trying to break — which can be incredibly hard. A habit is defined as “an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.” Habits are hard to break because by the time we realize they exist, they’ve usually already become second nature — we’re so used to them that we become comfortable in them.
What are some ways to break a habit? And how long does it even take to break old habits or behaviors? Let’s take a look.
5 ways to break a habit
Bring it before God.
Talking with God about your habits and struggles is the first step to breaking free of them. In fact, it’s exactly what He wants us to do. Ephesians 6:16-18 (ESV) says, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
God wants us to have faith in Him in all circumstances, even when it’s hard. It’s easy to become exhausted while trying to break a habit. We can rest in Him, knowing that He can help give us the strength to carry on.Try to avoid situations where you might be tempted to continue your habit.
Purposefully avoiding situations where you might be tempted to engage in your habit is a great way to slowly start to quit. For example, if you’re trying to stop drinking, you can avoid social parties with heavy alcohol use. If you’re trying to eat healthier, avoid restaurants that will tempt you to eat unhealthy food. Second Timothy 2:22 (ESV) says, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Find comfort and support in companionship.
Even though it can be hard to break a habit, you’re not alone. Finding a support system such as a church or a group of supportive friends is essential to breaking a habit. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”Replace negative habits with positive ones.
It can feel isolating and stressful when you’re breaking old habits. However, realize that your actions today affect your tomorrow. It may seem fun in the moment to spend hours procrastinating on work and watching TV, but you’ll likely be stressed tomorrow trying to catch up on the work that you’ve missed.
Replacing bad habits with positive ones can help motivate you to leave old ways in the past. For example, if you spend two hours in the evening watching TV and you want to quit, you could intentionally spend that time with friends or family instead. Some examples of positive habits include time reading your Bible, time with friends or family, or time engaging in positive hobbies (reading, writing, puzzles, etc.).
Second Timothy 1:7 (ESV) says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Read that again. God gives us a spirit of self-control. Even when it may seem difficult, we can break our old habits.
Seek professional help.
The unfortunate truth is that the church has not always done the best job of advocating for mental health and therapy. But, in the same way that you wouldn’t try to run a marathon on a broken foot, you shouldn’t try to go through seasons of life with a mental limp that needs to be addressed by a professional. God gave us unique and intricate minds, and we honor God by seeking help when something in our minds is creating a limitation to living the full life that He has designed for us. Seeking professional help to break an addiction shows wisdom and reverence for the life God has given us. There is no shame in seeking help; the only shame is that the church hasn’t been advocating for this resource until recently.
How long does it take to break a habit?
There’s no universal duration of how long it takes to break a habit. For some people, habits can be broken within a few days or weeks. For others, it may take months or years. Don’t stress out if you can’t break a habit immediately — it takes time. Give yourself grace and take little steps every day toward your goal. Try using the four tools above to see if they help you reach your goal.
Remember that God is with you on your journey. Philippians 4:13 (ESV) says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” We can be encouraged knowing that God is on our side, and with Him, all things are possible!
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. And every journey needs a Starting Point.
Starting Point groups are in-person, stress-free and judgment-free groups that meet periodically at Centerpoint Church. Here, you can spend some time getting to know fellow group members, reading and having an open conversation about topics like God, the Scriptures, faith, and Jesus. Completely new to the teachings of Jesus? Returning to church after a long break? Questioning the teachings you were brought up with or just unsure what you believe? Our Starting Point groups are here to help you navigate your faith journey. Get in touch with us to learn when the next Starting Point group is meeting or to join a Starting Point group.