Change and Homeostasis: The Danger of Autopilot
As I observe the flowers beginning to emerge from the damp earth, I am reminded of Spring’s renewal. It is a moment to reflect on an adage I frequently reference: change is the only constant. This concept applies to everything: the passage of time, aging, nature, and both good and bad situations. Nothing ever remains the same, as there is perpetual movement in this world. The sun rises each day, but in a slightly different place.
The concept of constant change contrasts slightly with another principle in nature: homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the return to stability and equilibrium. In both natural ecosystems and human nature, we strive to achieve stability. Often, that stability is associated with something familiar. I frequently observe clients reverting to dysfunctional patterns because they are known, rather than opting for the often intimidating alternative of a departure from the status quo. Stability and equilibrium suggest safety and calm. While homeostasis can indeed be safe and calm, if your primary goal is solely to return to it, you miss half of the experiment of life.
Understanding the interaction between change and homeostasis means grasping growth, development, balance, and forward progress. A key part of this understanding involves recognizing that our brains and the natural world tend toward efficiency, which often makes the status quo the most prominent option. For example, let’s say you have a regular morning routine. You wake up at the same time, go through your daily morning hygiene procedures like clockwork, and drive to work the same way every Monday to Friday. This routine is so familiar and efficient that your brain could accomplish most of it on autopilot, and it might. In many ways, this benefits your brain because it creates space for higher-order cognitive tasks, such as thinking about a significant work project while completing your morning routine. The downside, however, is the risk of becoming too reliant on autopilot.
Now, I’m not encouraging anyone to throw out a routine that works. What I am encouraging is an analysis of the autopilot in your life. I wonder if there might be room for changing it up. What could be improved? What could be gained?
If 90% of your life is routine, you may be running on autopilot. This is a choice, and for some, it works. However, there are important factors to consider if you decide to operate on autopilot. Repetitive motion for both the body and brain can lead to decay and strain, particularly among individuals with sedentary jobs. If you sit all day at work, day after day, the strain on your body will become evident. This can increase the risk of injury and declining physical health. Furthermore, if you let your brain drift through each day on autopilot, you risk creating disengagement and a lack of presence in your life. This can lead to depression, isolation, and mental and physical decline.
So what would it look like to shift some autopilot? There are small changes like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or standing and walking around every hour of the workday to get some blood flowing. There are larger changes, like waking up in relationship patterns. I was recently talking with a client about her boyfriend who said, “Well, he always reacts the same way, so why should I try talking to him about it? It is what it is.” Another client on the same day, discussing caring for her mom, said, “I will be the one who makes the sacrifice because I’m always the one who takes one for the team.” My gentle response to both of them was, “Just because it has been that way doesn’t mean it will always be that way. What if it weren’t?”
If you find yourself on autopilot, I encourage you to take both big and small risks to shake things up. It may feel daunting, maybe even scary, but I can guarantee this: change is the only constant in this world, and we will always move toward a new homeostasis.