Small Changes, Big Transformation- Highlights from our Q1 BeWell Workshop
At a recent Wellbeing Think Tank session, Jamey Maniscalco, PhD, explored how small, science-backed practices can support brain function, stress regulation, and everyday performance.
This workshop offered practical reminders that meaningful change does not always require major disruption.
"Health and wellness shouldn’t be anchored in health and wellness. It should be anchored in you, and your life purpose and goals." – Jamey Maniscalco, PhD.
At a recent Wellbeing Think Tank session, Jamey Maniscalo, PhD, challenged participants to rethink how we approach wellbeing. Rather than focusing on programs or checklists, the conversation centered on a more fundamental question: what if sustainable wellbeing starts with the brain and is shaped by small, meaningful daily practices?
The session explored how connecting habits to personal purpose can help close the knowing-doing gap and make behavior change more sustainable.
Why the Brain Matters More Than We Think
Jamey invited attendees to reflect on their most important life goals and consider what makes them possible. The answer consistently pointed back to the brain.
Functions like decision-making, emotional regulation, and focus are driven by the prefrontal cortex. When stress is elevated, however, the brain shifts resources toward threat detection, making it harder to think clearly, learn, and respond thoughtfully.
A key takeaway from the session was not to eliminate stress, but to build the capacity to navigate it more effectively through small, consistent practices that support brain function over time.
Small Practices, Meaningful Impact
Rather than overwhelming participants with complex routines, the session focused on simple, science-informed strategies that can be integrated into everyday life. Several practices were introduced to demonstrate how brief interventions can support focus, regulation, and energy throughout the day.
Examples included:
Short breathing techniques to help regulate the nervous system
Brief movement breaks to support cognitive function and energy
Intentional moments of gratitude to shift attention and perspective
Exposure to natural environments, even in small doses
Building awareness and language around emotional experiences
Each of these practices was grounded in neuroscience and designed to be accessible within the flow of a typical workday.
A Shared Learning Experience
Throughout the session, participants engaged in reflection and discussion around how these practices could fit into their own routines and workplaces. Many shared that they were already experimenting with small changes, such as incorporating movement breaks or being more intentional with gratitude.
Post-session feedback reinforced a consistent theme: small, manageable actions feel more achievable and sustainable than large-scale behavior change. Several participants also noted the value of understanding the “why” behind their habits, particularly how stress impacts the brain’s ability to learn, focus, and perform.
From Insight to Action
One of the strongest messages from the session was the importance of starting small. Rather than trying to overhaul multiple habits at once, participants were encouraged to choose one practice and apply it consistently.
Even brief moments, such as a short pause between meetings or a few minutes of movement, can create meaningful shifts over time when practiced regularly.
Continuing the Conversation
This session offered a practical and accessible introduction to how neuroscience can inform everyday wellbeing. While this recap highlights a few key themes, the full session includes deeper exploration, guided exercises, and additional context to support application in the workplace.
Wellbeing Think Tank Professional & Practitioner members have access to the full recording, along with ongoing opportunities to engage in evidence-based learning and peer discussion.
Wellbeing Think Tank brings together people who care deeply about creating healthier, more human workplaces. Learn how to join our community and stay connected to evidence-based learning and events throughout the year.
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