I’ve always known that people want change—but I’ve also seen how often they resist what’s required to get there. Whether it’s losing weight, improving digestion, or finding balance, many struggle to let go of the very things keeping them stuck. And I get it. I’m not immune to this either.
One of the hardest lessons in Ayurveda isn’t about food or lifestyle—it’s about responsibility. It’s about realizing that so much of our health is in our hands, and that can feel overwhelming. For many, it’s easier to hand over control to doctors or external authorities rather than acknowledge how much power we have. But what makes this even harder is the invisible force that shapes so many of our daily choices: social influence.
The Power of Influence: Why We Eat (or Live) Like Those Around Us
Most people don’t realize just how much our relationships impact our health choices. It’s not just about what we eat; it’s about the emotional ties we have to food and lifestyle habits.
For years, I conformed to the people around me without even recognizing it. If my partner wanted ice cream at 8 PM, I’d eat it too—even though I knew it would disrupt my sleep and make me feel sluggish the next day. There’s this subtle fear of missing out, a pull to join in even when you know it doesn’t serve you. It’s as if we absorb other people’s desires as our own, not out of authenticity, but out of habit, conditioning, or even a subconscious need for connection.
Drinking was another big one for me. I’ve always known that alcohol isn’t good for me. Every time I conformed to social drinking, I felt regret, guilt, and shame. But I did it anyway. Not because I wanted to, but because it was easier to go with the flow than to step outside of it.
Stepping Outside of Social Norms
Western culture is slowly shifting in its understanding of social conformity. You can see it in the rise of mocktails—people are starting to recognize that they don’t have to drink just because it’s expected. But conformity runs deeper than that.
For much of my life, I didn’t even know who I was because I had spent so much time adapting to others. From a very young age, I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to explore my true self. I just went along with whatever was expected of me. It wasn’t until I found yoga that I started having profound insights about myself. It wasn’t until Ayurveda that I truly began to shift.
How Yoga and Ayurveda Helped Me Find My Authentic Self
When I teach, I step into something bigger than myself. I feel energy move through me, and the wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda just flows. I don’t have to think—it just is. Teaching allows me to offer a deeply personalized experience, even in a group setting. I naturally read the room, adapting in a way that supports the needs of my students while staying true to my authentic self. This adaptability isn't about conformity—it’s about deep listening and intuitive connection. I’m a conduit for this knowledge, and it lights me up in a way nothing else does.
This realization has been a slow process. Yoga and Ayurveda have helped me unravel the conditioning, but the biggest shift has happened in the last year as I move closer to menopause. Something about this stage of life is stripping away what no longer serves me. Taking a hiatus from teaching has helped me honor this even more. It has given me the space to focus on my own self, my needs, and rediscover what I truly love—sharing the gift of Yoga and Ayurveda. This time away has allowed me to integrate, heal, and reflect, making me even more excited to return to teaching next week with renewed energy and clarity. I’ve been finding my voice in new ways—through writing, blogging, and sharing my story more openly. And in that process, I’m reclaiming myself.
If you're seeking a space to reconnect with yourself, I invite you to join me for Ayur-Yoga: Rise and Shine—a morning practice designed to help you feel grounded, balanced, and inspired for the day ahead. Let's step into alignment together. Class begins Monday, March 3rd at 8:00AM.
Breaking Free from Conformity: A Conscious Choice
Conformity is no longer an unconscious habit for me. Now, it’s a choice. Sometimes I still choose to indulge in something that I know isn’t great for me, but I do it with awareness. More often, I choose to honor my needs. My greatest tools for staying grounded? Daily Abhyanga, yoga, and limiting social outings. Not because I don’t love people, but because I know how deeply I absorb their energy. Protecting my space helps me stay aligned with my truth. Part of that is also being intentional with the number of classes and offerings I now teach—honoring my need for balance while still sharing my knowledge in a meaningful way.
If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would be this: Put yourself first. Your needs. Your desires. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary. When you prioritize your well-being, you create a stronger foundation for everything else in your life. You show up more fully in relationships, work, and your passions. By honoring yourself, you also give others permission to do the same.
A Message to Those Struggling with Social Influence
If you’re reading this and realizing how much social influence has shaped your choices, start small. Awareness is everything. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Take baby steps. Yoga can help. Ayurveda can help. But most of all, be kind to yourself. This is a process, not a race.
Ask yourself: Where in my life am I conforming in ways that don’t align with my truth? And then, begin to shift—one choice at a time.
What about you? Have you struggled with social conformity when it comes to health choices? I'd love to hear your experiences—drop a comment below or share your thoughts! 💬💖
Namaste,
Jennifer
This blog has stayed with me from the moment I read it. I had to reread it because it resonates with me especially the social drinking and eating parts. I had made a conscious decision very young to never drink alcohol. I witnessed first hand the results of "social" drinking and it's impact of breaking apart families. It's never been easy finding social outlets that doesn't involve alcohol. That's what is accepted in our society. I have managed but certainly have missed out on many social activities due to lack of invite for my non alcohol consumption (it's true I don't get invited because people think I either feel uncomfortable or I make them uncomfortable). I stood my ground this…