Did you know it takes about 60 days to reprogram your mind? With the right action plan, you can have a more positive outlook, create new habits, and find lasting success in recovery.
Reprogram Your Mind: The 60-Day “Sweet Spot”
It’s been repeatedly said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. However, many say this number is simply a myth. When Michael Kim, the founder and CEO of a habit-coaching company called Habit Design, appeared at a News in Health webinar, he said we now know that it takes longer than 21 days to form a habit. The latest clinical research suggests a time of 66 days or more.
It’s All About Repetitive Action
Any repetitive action done over a certain period of time has the potential to create results that stick. The same is true when you set out to reprogram your mind for happiness. This is a habitual process that, when done over a certain period of time, can lead to incredible results.
In order to simplify this process, it’s usually easier to think of a nice, round number. This is where the “sweet spot” of 60 days comes in. Sixty is a number that’s easy to remember. It’s also pretty close to the 66 number decided upon by clinical research. Lastly, the number 60 can also simply be viewed as about two full months.
Habit Formation
It may sound fancy, but “reprogramming” your mind for happiness actually just means you’re forming a healthy new habit. Like any other habit, it’s going to take a little work and dedication to get the ball rolling. In the first few weeks, you’ll begin to build momentum. After that, you’ll find it becomes easier and easier to stay focused on your goal.
A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology said that research on habit formation has shown that “behavior is likely to become habitual when it is frequently and consistently performed in the same context.” Other studies have shown a link between habit formation and the brain. According to the British Journal of General Practice, habits are “cognitively efficient.” When a habit or common action is automated, this frees up “mental resources” for other tasks.
Reprogram Your Mind: The 60-Day Project
Reprogramming your mind to have a more optimistic outlook, feel more confident, or even speak to yourself in a nicer way can create a positive ripple effect throughout all areas of your life. The best place to start your 60-day project is by getting yourself a journal or planner to keep track of your progress. You should also commit to just focusing on one goal for 60 days straight. This simplifies the habit-forming process.
How to Start Forming Your New Positive Mindset
If you miss a day or two of your new routine, it’s important not to shame yourself. Remember: this project is about forming a positive mindset, not about harboring negative feelings for yourself. If you do happen to miss a day, just continue where you left off. In fact, many studies have shown that people still successfully formed new habits within 21 to 66 days, even if they missed some days in between.
Your New Daily Routine
Reprogramming your mind will be most effective when you choose to create a new daily routine for yourself. You may want to think about your morning and evening routines and how you can bring more feelings of happiness, peace, and self-love into them. Being in a happy mindset also means that you’re treating yourself with love and respect. So it would be helpful to think of self-care activities you can use that will get you into this positive mindset.
Activities to Reprogram Your Mind
Once you choose to start your 60-day project, you can make a list of different activities that will help you get into a positive mindset each day. You don’t have to do every activity each day. Instead, having a list can help you pick and choose the methods that speak to you most.
Affirmations are a great tool to help you reprogram your mind. These are positive statements that you repeat to yourself. You can speak affirmations out loud or write them down. Using them consistently can create amazing shifts in your life.
Mindfulness is another great tool that will help you not only get into a positive mindset but also cultivate inner peace. Mindfulness is best described as fully focusing on the present moment or the task at hand. For example, if you’re journaling your affirmations, you can put your entire focus on this activity by listening to the pen as it writes along the paper. You can also read your affirmations word-by-word as they’re being written down.
Meditation is a form of mindfulness that allows you to create a deep sense of peace and connection within yourself. This practice has many benefits, including overall happiness, a sense of purpose, and freedom from anxiety.
Reprogram Your Mind for Happiness at The Guest House
Sometimes, it may feel difficult to reprogram your mind on your own. This is especially true if you’ve experienced trauma, addiction, or mental health difficulties. At The Guest House, you will find the support and space you need to cultivate true happiness as you deeply heal your life.
Our trauma-specific program allows you to explore a variety of tools and therapies that will help you reprogram your mind for happiness. We offer modalities like meditation, yoga, conscious connected breathwork, and more that will inspire you to regain a sense of inner peace.
The Guest House’s beautiful 52-acre estate is the perfect backdrop for reprogramming your mind. You may even want to commit yourself to your own 60-day project while you’re here! You are worthy of living a life of happiness, peace, and deep fulfillment. We will help you make your dreams a reality at The Guest House.
Sixty days may be the perfect amount of time to reprogram your mind for happiness. However, you may find it difficult to do on your own if you’ve experienced trauma, addiction, or any mental health conditions. The Guest House’s trauma-specific program is here to help you not only reprogram your mind but also find inner peace and lasting success in recovery. Our cutting-edge blend of traditional and holistic therapies will allow you to explore the modalities that best suit your needs. You may also want to commit to your own 60-day project while you’re here, utilizing therapies like meditation and yoga to help you reprogram your mind. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.