What defines the maintenance stage of change?

The maintenance stage of change is defined by the continued engagement in the behaviors that have been adopted after previously making a change. Individuals in this stage have successfully implemented new habits or modifications into their lives and are focused on sustaining these changes over time. The key aspect of this stage is not just the initial changes made or preparation for further action, but the ongoing effort to avoid relapse and maintain the benefits of the transformation achieved. This stage is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment and strategies to ensure that the changes made are lasting and not simply temporary.