Joining Forces: Couples more likely to ditch bad habits together
Trying to quit smoking or lose weight? You might want to team up with your partner for better chances at success.
You know, we know and everyone else knows that Valentine’s Day is quickly sneaking up on us. If you’re not one to be all smoochy and sentimental, perhaps you can take this day to forge couple resolutions and nip bad habits in the bud instead.
According to scientists, it’s easier to get fit or stop smoking if couples were in it together. For instance, among women who smoked, 50% managed to quit if their partner also gave up the habit at the same time. This is in contrast to only 17% whose partners were already non-smokers and 8% whose partners were regular smokers.
Conducted at University College London, the research was funded by Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the National Institute on Ageing and looked at 3,722 couples above the age of 50 who are either married or living together.
“Now is the time to make New Year’s resolutions to quit smoking, take exercise, or lose weight. And doing it with your partner increases your chances of success,” said Sarah Jackson, lead author from University College London.
And if you’re not with someone, there’s no need to count yourself unlucky and continue down the road of an unhealthy lifestyle. Instead, gather a group of friends who have been thinking of losing weight or getting fit and encourage each other to achieve this shared goal.
So no more excuses, it’s time to ditch those bad habits and lead a more positive regime together!
Tarandip Kaur
