Go Easy on Me: A Path to Sustainable Change

A year and a half ago, I found myself in a place I never thought I’d be. Anxiety and depression felt like constants in my life, and I carried an extra 90 pounds on my body, a weight that mirrored the heaviness I felt emotionally.

I longed for change, but no matter how hard I tried, I kept falling into the same patterns. A breakthrough came when I committed to something small: yoga every school day in August of 2023.

At first, it wasn’t easy. Some days I scowled through the practice, frustrated at myself for not feeling stronger or more capable. But I stayed curious. What would happen if I kept going? That question became my anchor.

By the end of the semester, I had missed only a handful of days. By the end of the school year, yoga had become a grounding practice I looked forward to. What began as a small experiment turned into a life-changing habit that transformed my relationship with my body and my mind.

This wasn’t just about yoga. It was about learning how to rewire my nervous system to make sustainable changes. And it all started with one simple idea: your nervous system has to believe that change is safe.

Why Your Nervous System Resists Change

The human nervous system is wired for survival. Thousands of years ago, it protected us from predators like saber-toothed tigers. Today, those threats look different—an email from your boss, a critical comment from a friend, or even the prospect of trying something new.

When your nervous system perceives danger, it triggers a stress response: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. This response directs blood flow to your extremities so you can run or react, but it also means your body deprioritizes functions like digestion and rest.

Over time, this constant state of alertness makes it harder for you to embrace change. Your nervous system clings to familiar patterns—even if they’re unhelpful—because they feel safe.

How to Rewire Your Nervous System

If you’ve been feeling stuck or unable to sustain change, your nervous system might be standing in your way. But the good news is, you can retrain it. Here’s how:

1. Start Small

Pick a minor, low-stakes habit to shake up. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand, sit somewhere new, or change your morning routine slightly. These small shifts help your nervous system see that change isn’t dangerous.

2. Create Conscious Interruptions

Our brains are wired for efficiency, meaning many of our actions are automatic. Interrupting those patterns—even briefly—helps us build awareness and create space for new habits.

3. Build Gradually

Once your nervous system adjusts to small changes, it’ll be easier to take on bigger challenges. Whether it’s starting a workout routine, pursuing a new goal, or breaking out of old patterns, your nervous system will already be primed for growth.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Change isn’t linear. There will be missteps, skipped days, and moments of doubt. When that happens, don’t judge yourself—get curious. Ask yourself what’s getting in your way and how you can adjust.

The Science of Change

Research shows that when we repeat small, intentional actions, we create new neural pathways in the brain. This process, called neuroplasticity, is how we rewire our subconscious patterns. But it takes time and consistency. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

By focusing on small, consistent changes, you’re not just building better habits—you’re teaching your nervous system that it’s safe to grow and evolve.

A New Definition of Change

A year and a half ago, I couldn’t have imagined the changes I’ve experienced. Today, I’m healthier—physically, emotionally, and mentally—than I’ve ever been. I rarely experience anxiety or depression, and I’ve maintained a consistent workout routine for the first time in my life.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It started with curiosity, small steps, and a willingness to try something new.

What about you? Are you ready to teach your nervous system that change is safe?

Start small. Brush your teeth differently, take a new route to work, or try something you’ve always wanted to do. Share one small change you’re making this week—I’d love to hear how you’re creating space for growth and possibility in your life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, remember: change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with a single, intentional step. What will yours be?