In this episode, I’m sharing a personal reflection inspired by turning 50 — and a powerful shift I’m making in how I approach movement, work, and rest.

For most of my life, I believed that pushing harder was the key to better results. More workouts. More productivity. Less rest. But as I’ve moved into midlife, my body has been asking for something different — and science backs it up.

We’ll talk about:

• Why constant high-intensity exercise and overworking can elevate cortisol
• How rest days support muscle repair, energy stores, and metabolic health
• The often-overlooked mental and nervous system benefits of true recovery
• What “rest” can actually look like if you’re someone who always feels the need to be doing something

This episode is an invitation to rethink rest — not as laziness or loss of momentum, but as a strategic, nourishing part of long-term health and vitality.

If you’re feeling tired, stuck, or frustrated with what “used to work,” this conversation is for you.

Follow Carrie on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free Solutions Session!

See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Forget pressure-filled resolutions—this episode is all about choosing a word that supports who you’re becoming.

Carrie shares how her past words (Intention → Abundance → Embrace) shaped her growth over the last three years and reveals her word for 2026. You’ll learn why a “Word of the Year” creates deeper alignment than a checklist, how it connects to nervous system support and nourishment, and how to choose a word that truly matches your season of life.

Grab a journal or take this episode on a walk—Carrie offers reflective prompts and simple practices to help you uncover a word that feels rooted, meaningful, and doable all year long.

Whether your year ahead calls for presence, expansion, boundaries, joy, or rest—this episode will help you name it and live it.

Share your word with Carrie on Instagram @thrive.with.carrie ~ she may feature a few listener words in an upcoming episode!

Follow Carrie on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive.with.carrie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free Solutions Session!

See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

A couple weeks before Christmas, Carrie shares a real-life update on her alcohol-free journey ~ what’s changed, what’s surprised her, and why this has become one of the most powerful shifts for her energy, mood, clarity, and presence.

She’s joined by her friend and mentor Maureen Benkovich, certified Alcohol Freedom & Wellness Coach and host of the Sober Fit Life podcast, for an honest conversation about the why behind “gray area drinking,” the science of what alcohol does to brain chemistry (dopamine, serotonin, GABA), cortisol, sleep, and gut health ~ and why the impact can linger far longer than most people realize.

Together, they unpack Maureen’s updated 4R Method (Recognize, Replace, Rewire, Renew), how to navigate “alcohol-free firsts” (holidays, weddings, travel, dinners out), and why freedom doesn’t require rock bottom ~ just a willingness to get curious and give your body a true break.

If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is quietly keeping you stuck in fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, inflammation, or irritability, this episode is your gentle nudge and your science-backed roadmap.

Visit soberfitchick.com for details on Maureen's upcoming Six-Week Alcohol Reset (beginning January 12, 2026) and her podcast Sober Fit Life.

Connect with Maureen
Website: https://www.soberfitchick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureen.benkovich/
Instagram: @soberfitchickllc

About Maureen

Maureen Benkovich is the founder of SoberFit Chick Coaching and a certified gray area drinking coach. With a warm, science-backed approach, Maureen empowers individuals to break free from the grip of alcohol and reconnect with their full potential. Drawing on her personal journey and professional expertise, she combines empathy, neuroscience, and practical strategies to help clients make sustainable changes and thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Maureen's unique coaching philosophy blends her deep understanding of health, fitness, and the brain’s chemistry to guide clients toward healthier habits and a more fulfilling lifestyle. Her mission is to help others uncover the truth about alcohol and build a life that aligns with their goals and values.

Follow Carrie on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriechojnowski/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.o.chojnowski

Visit https://thrivewithcarrie.com/ to book a free discovery call!

See you next time!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.