It's not 21 days. Researchers have calculated the actual time required for a new habit to take hold.

Morning exercise, positive thinking, and other habits, though beneficial, can sometimes be integrated into life too slowly. Researchers have debunked the myth that it takes 21 days. New habits can start to form on average in 59-66 days, but in some cases, this process can take up to 335 days.

These conclusions were drawn by Australian researchers from UniSA in the first systematic review on this topic. This discovery could serve as a foundation for developing effective strategies to promote healthy behavior and disease prevention.

The study, which involved over 2,600 participants, also revealed that various factors influence habit formation:

• The regularity of the new activity.
• The amount of time dedicated to the practice.
• The level of enjoyment derived from the process.

There are several general principles that can accelerate the integration of a new habit into life:

• Incorporating a new practice into an existing routine (such as morning tasks) has a significant chance of success.
• You are more likely to stick to a new habit if you enjoy doing it.

Planning is also crucial. To solidify a habit, it's important to organize the conditions for its execution in advance. For example, laying out workout clothes the night before for a morning walk or preparing a healthy lunch to take along.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported on studies examining how long-term relationships affect women and men. Researchers concluded that single women fare better than married ones, while the opposite is true for men.