Small Changes, Big Impact
Change isn't pretty. Sometimes, we see the word 'change' and instantly think of something drastic and big. However, small changes can be just as challenging and necessary. If we make the small changes, we can make the big ones.
What small changes do you need to make to prevent overwhelm?
Little changes look like:
Not hitting snooze to avoid morning rush
Skipping that second cup of coffee
Not immediately responding to every message
Setting boundaries around work hours
Taking a breath before reacting to triggers
Saying no to an invitation that doesn't serve you
Going to bed 30 minutes earlier
Spending 5 minutes in silence before checking your phone
Taking a different route to work
Even minor departures from routine can feel threatening when the brain craves certainty. This is where neuroplasticity - our brain's ability to form new connections - becomes powerful. We can consistently practice regulation techniques to retrain our brain's stress response. At Healing Arts Center, we teach clients practical tools to interrupt stress patterns: conscious breathing, mindful movement, and reframing techniques. These aren't just coping mechanisms; they create new neural pathways for better stress management.
Change happens in these small moments. Each time we choose differently, we build new patterns and possibilities. The process isn't linear or neat. We'll feel the pull of comfort. We'll want to retreat to what we know. But change lives in our willingness to keep choosing differently, questioning, and stepping forward even when it's uncomfortable.
Choose change, even when it's messy. Choose questions, even when answers feel far away. Choose new paths, even when old ones feel safer. That's where growth begins.
About the Author: As co-founder of Healing Arts Center, a veteran-disabled business, I work with clients who are navigating anxiety and are overwhelmed. We create a safe space for emotional regulation through creative practices and evidence-based tools. Our mission is to help clients develop healthy coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and challenging thought patterns.
