Unlock A Calmer 2025

It's January, which means the season of reflection and new year’s resolutions is officially here.

At Rise Centered, we are all for a restful start to the new year. So, if you have been craving an easeful January, this is your permission slip to settle in, not rush to the gym, and enjoy some much needed rest from Winter’s festivities.

Now, when it comes to curating a calm start to your year (or day), we love *effectively* using cortisol. Cortisol plays a crucial role in your circadian rhythm. When you wake up with natural light, your body stimulates cortisol production and stops the release of melatonin, the sleepiness hormone. This gradual increase of cortisol and drain of melatonin leaves you feeling alert without lingering grogginess. 

In contrast, your phone alarm spikes cortisol, triggering flight or fight, without having enough time to stop melatonin production. The result? A groggy and stressed morning.

Ready for a relaxed 2025? We would love to support you in integrating new habits, and actually sticking to them. So, we put together key tips for gentle goal setting, to set you up for success. 

GENTLE GOAL SETTING 

For cultivating habits that stick in 2025

Be Specific. We are more likely to stick to goals with clear markers of success. For example, ‘I want to run more’ versus ‘I want to jog nonstop for 10 minutes by September’. Start with your larger goal, and break it into easy to reach weekly or daily goals.

Start Small. There are endless wellness and self-help shaped rabbit holes, but you don't need to overhaul your life to experience positive change. Use your discernment and see which habits fit most seamlessly into your life.

Consistency & Patience. Change doesn't happen overnight. Wellness is the cumulative effect of small, actionable changes that aggregate over time, so be patient with yourself!

Celebrate Your Wins. Every time you show up, even if it’s for 5 minutes, it's worth celebrating. Each step you take forward is a step closer to where you want to be.

Embrace Setbacks. Setbacks are fundamental to change. They show us where there's room to grow, highlight our blindspots, and serve as helpful redirections.

Wishing you a restful start to the year, 

The Rise Centered Team