States Become Traits
Why do anxiety, fear, or anger sometimes feel less like fleeting emotions and more like permanent parts of us? Neuroscience gives us an answer: states become traits.
At first, these emotions show up in response to specific triggers—a stressful deadline, an argument, or a difficult conversation. But when they repeat often enough, the body and nervous system adapt. Over time, the state becomes the default trait.
This happens because every time we enter an anxious or stressed state, our nervous system strengthens the neural pathways that support it. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline become familiar, and the brain begins to seek that chemistry even without a real trigger. In a way, we become “addicted” to these states—not through substances, but through wiring.
The hopeful side is that neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself, works both ways. Just as repetition wires us for stress and vigilance, repetition can also wire us for calm, safety, and resilience.
One of the most effective ways to practice calm is through Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) or Yoga Nidra. These guided relaxation practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s “rest and restore” mode.
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman often highlights NSDR as a tool to reset the nervous system, replenish dopamine, and sharpen focus. He calls it a powerful recovery method that helps break stress loops. Similarly, Yoga Nidra teacher Ally Boothroyd describes the practice as “a nervous system training ground,” teaching the body what safety and deep rest truly feel like.
With just 10–20 minutes a day, NSDR and Yoga Nidra can:
Lower baseline anxiety
Improve emotional regulation
Enhance focus and recovery
Shift our default trait state from stress to calm
Here are some of my favorite links to practice this:
States become traits. Which ones are you practicing today—and which ones do you want your brain to remember tomorrow?