A while back, I was listening to a broadcast from Focus on the Family on my way to work. They had Dr. John Trent as a guest, who was discussing his book, The 2 Degree Difference. He shared a fascinating story about a conversation he had with a NASA engineer who worked during the Apollo 13 mission. The engineer explained that if their landing trajectory had been off by just two degrees, they would have missed Earth by over 11,000 miles. Just a small change in their angle made a huge difference in their outcome.

Dr. Trent used this as an analogy for relationships, explaining how couples can start just a tiny bit out of sync, and with time, that small difference can lead them miles apart. His suggestion was to focus on making small, consistent “2 Degree” changes to strengthen the relationship over time.

Sometimes, the smallest shifts make the biggest difference. Take water, for example: at 210 degrees, it’s hot, but it’s not yet boiling. Just a two-degree increase to 212 degrees brings it to a boil, transforming it into steam. This subtle difference can drive powerful machines and alter the state of matter itself. In our lives, too, seemingly tiny adjustments can yield substantial changes over time. Whether in relationships, health, or daily habits, making a small but intentional “two-degree” shift can set us on a path to major transformation. 

Why Small Changes Matter in Health

This morning, I found myself reflecting on this concept, and it struck me how much it applies to health as well.  As a health professional, I often think about all the ways we can improve our well-being, from making better food choices to managing stress more effectively. Yet, I’m human too—I occasionally make poor food choices, skip workouts, and have more stress than I’d like to admit. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of overhauling everything all at once. But expecting a drastic 180-degree shift, even in my own life, is unrealistic. So, how could I expect my patients to make massive changes overnight?

The two-degree concept resonates deeply because it focuses on gradual, manageable adjustments that, over time, can lead to meaningful, lasting health benefits. On the broadcast, Dr. Trent shared a story of a man who made a simple two-degree change by going from two desserts after dinner to just one. After sticking with that adjustment, he later switched to having dessert only every other day. Gradually, he built on that progress and, in time, lost over 100 pounds. The lesson? Small changes can add up to big results.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple two-degree changes to get you going on your health journey.

2-Degree Health Changes You Can Start Today

1. Start Walking More: Begin by adding 100 extra steps each day. Gradually increase this as it becomes easier, or add other forms of cardiovascular exercise. Just a little more movement each day can improve your overall energy and help support your body’s overall health and function.
2. Try Strength Training: Adding weight-bearing activities to your routine can help increase bone density, improve strength, and boost metabolism. Start small—even using cans of food as weights is a good way to ease into it. You don’t have to hit the gym every day; a little bit of strength training can go a long way over time.
3. Incorporate More Real Food: Choosing whole, unprocessed foods over packaged, processed options can make a big difference in how you feel. This can mean including fresh meats, quality fats, seasonal produce, or any whole foods that support your health. Experiment with adding nutrient-dense foods that work best for your body. Small changes like these can improve your nutrient intake, support better digestion, and give you lasting energy.
4. Mindset and Emotional Health: One of the most powerful shifts you can make is in your mindset and emotional well-being. Even a small change in this area can lead to a big difference in how you approach daily challenges and stressors. Try beginning or ending your day with a few minutes of journaling. Reflecting on your thoughts, gratitude, and intentions can help you feel more grounded and focused. Breathwork is another excellent two-degree change. Practicing simple breathing exercises, even for just a few minutes each day, can ease tension, improve focus, and foster a sense of calm. Both of these practices support your nervous system and overall well-being, and they’re simple, accessible steps toward lasting change.
5. Add a Fish Oil Supplement for Omega-3s: Ideally, you’d get Omega-3s from deep-sea fish like salmon, but due to mercury concerns, many people don’t get enough. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain function and heart health. In the U.S., the average Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio is about 24:1, when it should ideally be 6:1, so adding a quality fish oil supplement can be a valuable two-degree change.
6. See a Chiropractor: Many people associate chiropractic care with back pain relief, but chiropractic care does so much more. The nervous system controls every tissue, organ, and system in the body, and chiropractic adjustments help ensure optimal communication between the brain and body. Seeing a chiropractor—even if you don’t have pain—can improve your body’s natural ability to heal and function at its best.

Focus on Adding Positives

Often, people approach health goals by trying to eliminate “bad” habits first, which can lead to feeling discouraged and giving up. Instead, focus on adding small, positive changes to your routine. By focusing on what you’re adding rather than what you’re taking away, you’re more likely to stay motivated. As these new habits take hold, they’ll naturally begin to crowd out less healthy ones over time.

Remember, you don’t have to take on everything at once. Choose one two-degree change that resonates with you and commit to it. Over time, these small adjustments can transform your health and well-being in significant ways.

Ready to Make Your Own 2-Degree Change?

If you’re interested in exploring how chiropractic care can support your journey to thriving health, I invite you to schedule a Connection Consultation. This personalized consultation can help you understand the benefits of chiropractic care and identify a health strategy that aligns with your goals. Together, we can identify two-degree changes that will make a meaningful difference in your health over time.

Make the choice to take that first step toward better health. Contact our office today to schedule your Connection Consultation and discover the power of small, consistent changes.