New Year, New You: Embrace Wellness in 2025
Dear Darien and New Canaan Community,
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, it’s the perfect moment to prioritize health, wellness, and a fresh perspective. This month, we’re excited to share stories that inspire personal growth, self-care, and a sense of renewal as we kick off the new year.
Our cover story features the inspiring Marghi Adzick, founder of Addison Bay, who is redefining wellness with her chic and functional activewear. Marghi’s journey reminds us that embracing strength and style can go hand in hand, and her story is a must-read.
We’re also thrilled to introduce our new dietitian column by Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN. Alyssa’s expertise will provide invaluable guidance on achieving balance and health, making this an essential addition to your wellness journey.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation and beauty, discover Intoxify Beauty Bar, a sanctuary for rejuvenation and indulgence. Plus, Abby Dixon shares her guide to prioritizing self-care, offering actionable tips to ensure you’re taking care of yourself as you tackle the year ahead.
Let’s make 2025 a year of strength, health, and self-discovery. We’re so proud to be part of this vibrant community and can’t wait to see what the new year brings.
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kristin Burnell | kristin.burnell@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Bamford, Nicole Glor, Kimberly Thomas, Alyssa Lavy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abby Cole Photography, Darius Terepka Photo, Brook Road Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
1 - 7: On Wednesday October 16th, Pickleball America Celebrated their 1-Year Anniversary in the Stamford Town Center. Mayor Simmons, Michael Moore Director of the DSSD, Dan Stolzenbach GM of the Mall and Robert Murdoch from CT Sports were in Attendance to Support the Milestone. Guest Speaker, Dr. Alice Chen, a fellowship-trained physiatrist, and interventional specialist in the non-operative management of spine and sports disorders at HSS - The Official Hospital of MLP - Major League Pickleball addressed the crowd with tips about injury prevention and congratulated all on successful launch and partnership.
Photography by Darius Terepka Photo
8 - 14: Pure Barre Darien 10th Anniversary Celebration 8: Kimberly Thomas, Anna Barnes 10: Emily Fisher, Kimberly Borosage, Melissa Buch 11: Jennifer Milano, The Vintage Horse Mobile Bar 12: Lily & Crissy Peterson 13: Tasha Ginsberg 14: Danielle Johnson
Photography by Brook Road Photography
Winter Farro Salad
A HEARTY WINTER FARRO SALAD WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SQUASH AND HOT HONEY DRESSING
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
This winter farro salad is the perfect mix of hearty and nourishing for this chilly weather. If you’re not familiar with farro, it has a chewy texture and packs in protein and fiber in every delicious bite. The pistachios, feta cheese and cranberries add saltiness and sweetness while the hot honey dressing packs a sweet and refreshing flavor with a hint of heat. Plus, the veggies add nutrition, while also adding gorgeous color and winter’s freshest flavors. This dish is complete on its own, or can be served as a side. The best part? It can be eaten hot or cold – so the leftovers can be enjoyed as easy meals throughout the week (if you don’t eat it all at once)!
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
Salad
• 8 oz farro, dry
• 16 oz brussels sprouts
• 1 delicata squash (approximately 16 oz)
• ¼ C avocado oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 Tbsp parsley
• 1 C feta cheese, crumbled
• ¾ C dried cranberries
• ¾ C pistachios, shelled
• 7 oz arugula (about 5 C)
• Nonstick cooking spray
Dressing:
• ½ C extra virgin olive oil
• ½ C hot honey
• ¼ C plus 1 Tbsp lemon juice (juice from approximately 1 ½ large lemons)*
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
*I recommend using fresh lemon juice
directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Wash and pat dry the brussels sprouts and delicata squash. Cut brussels sprouts in half (if very large, cut in quarters) and place in a large mixing bowl. Slice delicata squash in half lengthwise, remove the pulp and seeds with a spoon and slice into half moon shaped slices. Add sliced delicata squash to mixing bowl. Drizzle avocado oil over vegetables and add all spices (salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley). Mix with a spoon until the oil and spices are well distributed and transfer vegetables to a large baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Use a large spoon to arrange vegetables in a single layer.
3. Bake in oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are browned and slightly crispy on the outside and tender. Flip delicata squash and mix brussels sprouts about halfway through (approximately 10-15 minutes). Meanwhile, proceed to step 4 (below) while vegetables are roasting.
CONTINUED >
WINTER FARRO SALAD
4. Cook farro according to package directions. Once cooked, drain any excess water, rinse with cold water to remove extra starch and stop the cooking process and set aside. Proceed to step 5 (below) to make the dressing while farro is cooking.
5. Add olive oil to a medium sized bowl. Add all other dressing ingredients and stir with a spoon until well combined. Set aside.
6. Remove vegetables from oven once cooked (individual oven times may vary). Set aside.
7. Wash arugula, pat dry and place in a large serving bowl. Add cooked farro and cooked vegetables. Top with feta cheese, dried cranberries and pistachios.
8. Give the dressing one last stir before drizzling dressing over the farro salad. Mix with tongs or salad claws and enjoy! This can be served immediately while warm or enjoyed chilled (or warmed up) as leftovers and will last when stored in an airtight container for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
Alysa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
alyssalavy.com @alyssalavyrd
TERESA ALASIO MD Owner & Medical Director
Diandra Shafer
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NO MORE MOM GUILT
ABBY DIXON’S GUIDE TO PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE
Every mom knows the feeling: that little voice whispering, “Shouldn’t you be doing something for the kids instead?” Whether it’s taking a moment to breathe, meeting a friend for coffee, or simply catching up on sleep, self-care can sometimes feel like an indulgence instead of a necessity. Abby Dixon, licensed therapist and founder of Joywell, is challenging that belief, helping mothers embrace self-care as a guiltfree, essential part of motherhood.
As a maternal mental health specialist and mother of three, Abby understands that many moms feel pressure to give endlessly, often at the expense of their well-being. This phenomenon, known as “mom guilt,” keeps mothers from recognizing that taking time for themselves isn’t just okay—it’s imperative for their mental and physical health, allowing them to be healthier and more present for their families.
One of Abby’s clients, Emily McSeveney, owner of Skin Studio Aesthetics and Wellness and mom to four-month-old Lucy, has faced this challenge herself. Balancing a new business with the demands of motherhood left her feeling pulled in every direction, stressed, and overwhelmed. With Abby’s guidance, Emily learned that prioritizing her well-being allowed her to show up more fully for her daughter. “I realized that taking time for myself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary,” Emily shares. “By caring for myself, I can care for Lucy and manage my business effectively.”
Abby believes self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Here are her top 5 tips for busy moms looking to incorporate self-care without guilt:
1. Start with small moments: Self-care doesn’t have to be a spa day. Abby recommends starting with small, meaningful moments: a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a 10-minute meditation, or a short walk. “These little pauses help us recharge and remind us to check in with ourselves,” Abby explains.
2. Set boundaries and say no when needed: Moms often feel pressured to take on every request, but learning to say no to non-essential commitments can be liberating. “Boundaries protect our time and energy,” says Abby. “Saying no helps us focus on what truly matters, making room for things that keep us grounded and fulfilled. Remember, saying no to something allows you to say yes to something else.”
3. Delegate and ask for help: Many mothers feel guilt around asking for help, fearing it makes them seem unable to handle their responsibilities. Abby encourages moms to rethink this, reminding them that “we are not meant to do it all alone.”
Whether it’s leaning on a partner, asking a friend, or hiring a babysitter, sharing responsibilities allows moms to recharge and be present with their families.
4. Make self-care non-negotiable: Abby encourages moms to treat self-care like an essential appointment. “When we schedule it, we are saying it is important,” she explains. Abby recommends putting self-care on the calendar, whether it is a weekly yoga class, a phone call with a friend, or a quiet hour alone. “Your needs matter, how you feel in your body and your daily life matter,” she emphasizes.
5. Practice self-compassion: “Motherhood is filled with highs and lows,” Abby shares. “We need to give ourselves the grace to have challenging days without judgment.” Practicing self-compassion helps moms embrace imperfection, quiet the guilt, and recognize they are doing their best.
Abby Dixon’s work through Joywell is not just about supporting individual moms but challenging the expectations around motherhood. She is creating a movement that encourages women to let go of unrealistic ideals, embrace their worth, grow their identities, and prioritize their well-being— for their children and for themselves. Abby reminds moms, “Every small step towards self-care is a step toward showing up as the best version of yourself. Try to set aside a moment for yourself today—you deserve it.”
For more information about Joywell, visit: www.thejoywell.co
Marghi Adzick: Redefining Wellness with Addison Bay
Elevating
Activewear for the Everyday Athlete
Wellness is more than a trend—it’s a way of life. Few understand this better than Marghi Adzick, founder and CEO of Addison Bay, a brand that marries functionality, fashion, and an empowering approach to wellness. As a former Division I athlete and accomplished entrepreneur, Marghi’s journey from sports to business exemplifies how activewear can inspire a balanced, active, and confident lifestyle.
WELLNESS AT EVERY STAGE
Addison Bay was born out of a simple idea: activewear should work as hard as the women wearing it. For Marghi, wellness isn’t just about workouts—it’s about creating a sense of ease and empowerment throughout the day.
“When I think about wellness, it’s about feeling good in your skin and prepared for whatever the day brings,” Marghi explains. “Women are incredible multitaskers, and they need pieces that make them feel stylish, comfortable, and confident.”
Addison Bay’s elevated designs transition effortlessly from high-intensity workouts to everyday moments, ensuring wellness and style coexist.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
For Marghi, wellness is not just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and social. This ethos is woven into Addison Bay’s DNA, as the brand supports women in all aspects of their lives.
The cornerstone of this mission lies in its thoughtfully designed collections. Each piece encourages movement, celebrates individuality, and reduces stress by solving one of life’s
ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY THOMAS
challenges: what to wear. By offering versatile options, Addison Bay empowers women to feel prepared and at ease.
“We want our designs to bring more joy and less stress to women’s lives. Feeling confident in what you’re wearing is a huge part of overall wellness,” Marghi shares.
BUILDING A WELLNESS-DRIVEN BRAND
Addison Bay’s wellness philosophy extends beyond clothing. Marghi believes in creating a company culture and brand community that fosters connection and well-being.
In 2019, Addison Bay hosted over 100 in-person events, from popups to trunk shows, creating opportunities for customers to experience the brand firsthand. “Community is a big part of wellness,” Marghi says. “There’s something powerful about bringing people together—whether it’s through events, partnerships, or social media— to share ideas and celebrate movement.”
When in-person events paused during the pandemic, Addison Bay expanded its online presence and strengthened customer engagement. This adaptability has been key to the brand’s growth.
DESIGNING FOR EVERY BODY
At the heart of Addison Bay’s mission is inclusivity. Marghi insists the brand serves women at every stage of their wellness journey. Whether chasing fitness goals, staying active with family, or finding time to unwind, Addison Bay designs for real women.
This year’s collection introduces luxurious layers for winter wellness routines, from brisk outdoor walks to cozy yoga sessions. “We focus on quality fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and timeless designs that fit into real women’s lives,” says Marghi.
LEADING WITH BALANCE
Marghi’s personal wellness philosophy shapes her leadership at Addison Bay. Balancing the demands of running a business and raising four children has taught her the importance of prioritizing health and well-being.
“Wellness for me is about finding balance. It’s not perfect, but I’ve learned to focus on the things that matter most—family, movement, and building a brand I believe in,” she shares. “When I take care of myself, I’m better for my team, my family, and my business.”
Her advice to other women? Take time for yourself, and don’t underestimate the power of small wins. “Even a quick walk, a good playlist, or an outfit that makes you feel great can shift your energy and mindset,” Marghi says.
WELLNESS FOR 2024 AND BEYOND
Looking ahead, Marghi envisions Addison Bay continuing to champion wellness in every form. With plans to expand its offerings and deepen connections with customers, the brand is inspiring women to embrace a life of movement and style.
“The more we focus on supporting women holistically—through functional designs, community engagement, and wellness-driven values—the more we can make an impact.”
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
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Dr. Julie Sweeney is a board-certified pediatrician and specializes in integrative medicine for infants & children. SproutWell offers consults as well as membership to a limited number of families.
Darien n ew Canaan Lifesty L e™
Local Experiences
THE BEST PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO IN OUR AREA.
ARTICLE BY MEGAN SCHINELLA
1. New Beauty and Wellness | relax and rejuvenate with a half or full day spa experience that includes a body scrub, massage, and signature facial. New Canaan, CT.
2. To and From Nails | more than just a regular salon with unique manicure pedicures, clean products, and skilled technicians. Darien, CT.
3. Squeeze Massage | book a massage tailored to your preferences, including your choice of deep tissue, heat therapy, percussion therapy, and aromatherapy. Westport, CT.
4. Megan Bouchard | treat yourself to a natural lip enhancement with dermal fillers, Sculptra anti-aging treatment, or even Botox. New Year, New You! Westport, CT.
5. Farrah Beaute | book an appointment for eyebrow threading, shape, and tint. This threading artist has the perfect view to make your brows beautiful. Stamford, CT.
Jake Simon, 17
Junior at Darien High School
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
I’m inspired when I can see how my actions have a positive impact on others. While dive coaching and volunteering in my community, I see how the decisions I make and the things I say can improve other people’s experiences. My time spent on the pool deck coaching, and time volunteering with local non-profits is how I give back to my community and I hope to inspire others.
WHAT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS DO YOU BELONG TO?
Almost every day after school I dive at the New Canaan YMCA for Whirlwind Diving. During the winter I am also a dive captain for Darien’s Swim and Dive team. Last year I was able to win the Class L State championships and I am hoping for another successful season! A few days a week I also coach diving classes for kids just learning to dive. Outside of diving, I am a member of the
Youth Community Fund of Darien where I can learn about and volunteer with local nonprofits in Fairfield County. I also am on the Board of Christian Education and a member of the youth group at my church.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN THE DARIEN/NEW CANAAN OR ROWAYTON AREA?
My favorite part about living in the Darien area is the local businesses and access to the beach. Some of my favorite stores in Darien are Roost, Naya, and Upper Crust Bakery & Café (UCBC).
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR PEERS?
Don’t be afraid to try something new or get outside of your comfort zone. Most of the best moments in my life only happened because I pushed myself to try something I hadn’t done before. Also, try to challenge yourself academically but maintain a healthy balance of having fun too.
ARTICLE BY
SARAH BAMFORD
DISCOVER Intoxify Beauty Bar
ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE PHOTOGRAPHY
As another new year begins, it's time to discover your new beauty routine and treat yourself. Coming up on their two year anniversary, Intoxify Beauty Bar in Norwalk will help you achieve that as they help clients look and feel their best. As a tox bar, they specialize in reducing wrinkles by injecting neurotoxins, commonly known as Botox.
Owner, Mike Mase, has crafted a team of injectors that he has both trained himself and have had extensive external training and experience. Through his work with his clients at his business in Brookfield, Revive Beauty & Wellness, he had the idea to build a team that make it fast and easy to receive botox treatments. With a flat transparent price there are no surprises at the checkout desk, and it’s more accessible to keep up with.
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Intoxify Beauty Bar also offers a variety of facials from anti-aging options to lymphatic drainage to their new bubble facials.
Confidence is their company mission. Leaving everyone that walks through their doors with a sense of empowerment when they walk out. "Tox does not change the look of your face, it just refines and smoothes it. We want to help clients prevent wrinkles before they really start to get deep and static as well as reverse lines if they are already appeared," said Kristyn Mase, with Intoxify Beauty Bar.
Intoxify Beauty Bar is a unique, niche medical spa with their main focus on Botox, giving you specialized treatment and strong attention to detail for these services. A beautiful, bright and inviting space will greet you as soon as you enter the business. They do not base pricing on the number of units of product used, but on the area being treated.
soon as you start to see any fine lines, it's a good time to start preventative maintenance," said Mase. "That way you will never actually get deep wrinkles in the future because they won't have the ability to form. Generally speaking this will happen sometime during your 30s, but of course any kind of skin treatment is a personal preference and what you feel comfortable with."
Neurotoxins are also a great aspect of an anti-aging regimen, but do not have to be the only part. The team at Intoxify Beauty Bar recommends always using sunscreen and to stay away from tanning beds. That paired with facials and lymphatic drainage can also be a beneficial add on to your wellness routine.
“Tox does not change the look of your face, it just refines and smoothes it.”
"We are all very busy these days, so one of the reasons we really love botox treatments is because they don't take a lot of time, our appointments run 15 to 30 minutes, and they are very effective," said Mase.
The team believes this is important because their clients know exactly what to expect before their treatment and when they come back for future visits. Darien New Canaan Lifestyle asked the team about some tips and trends for people as we enter 2025 and a new era of wellness, "A lot of people often ask what age is the best age to start treating wrinkles. Our recommendation would be that it varies from person to person and that as
You can schedule a complimentary consultation by calling 203-354-3120. A nurse injector can go over all the details with you, answer any questions you may have, and create a personalized plan just for you.
LEARN MORE: www.intoxifybeautybar.com @intoxifybeautybar
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY 3RD
Friday Shop Run
14 Brook St, Darien CT | 8:30 AM
Start the New Year right with the Darien Running Company! The route is typically between 4-7 miles and will be posted on their Facebook, Strava, and Instagram stories the day before.
JANUARY 11TH
Whole-Family Gallery
Exploration and Art Project
New Canaan Library | 3:00 PM
Bring the whole family and join Miss Rebecca to explore the My Story Revealed exhibit in the Library's Lightburn Gallery, then work together to create an art project that tells a piece of your family's story! Curated by Creative Connections, the My Story Revealed exhibit features pieces created by students from around the world.
JANUARY 12TH
Reflect & Renew – A Half Day Mini Retreat
Carriage Barn Arts Center, New Canaan CT | 9:00 AM
Gather together to reflect and retreat! This half-day experience is designed to help you start your year off relaxed, recharged and refreshed! Move, meditate, spend time in nature, journal, and engage in ceremony to release old burdens and open you up to new possibilities. Snacks and tea will be provided as well as a “swag” bag chock full of goodies
JANUARY 14TH
ELEVATE: Creative Women’s Summit
The Meadowlands at Darien Community Association, Darien CT 9:00 AM
Experience ELEVATE: Creative Women’s Summit, an inspiring day designed for creative entrepreneurs, influencers, and coastal lifestyle enthusiasts. This dynamic event features panels with industry leaders, interactive workshops, and pop-ups showcasing brands, style, beauty, and more. Network with like-minded creatives and gain insights on content creation, mental wellness, and building engaged communities. Tickets and details at www.neccelevate.com
JANUARY 22ND Morning Meditation & Walk
HAYVN-Darien Yoga Deck | 8:00 AM
Join HAYVN for their weekly nature walk through Sellecks Woods and morning meditation led by their amazing members!
JANUARY 24TH-25TH Humanity in Architecture Film Festival
Grace Farms, New Canaan CT | 6:30 PM
Enjoy a weekend at Grace Farms, with films exploring the built environment’s power to enrich our human experience and to remind us of our capacity to create positive change in the world.
Want to be featured?
Habits—The Key to Resolutions
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY NICOLE GLOR
This might be the most important article you read all year.
When I became an IIN health coach, one statement stuck with me. "People know what their obstacle or bad habit is, they just might not be ready to work with willpower to change." If you dig down and secretly say to yourself, "what is it?" You will know.
You can fix what happened during the holidays and reach your resolution goal this time by starting some healthy habits.
Habits are started by cues, action and reward. For example, you crave a dessert, you eat it, you feel full, but then maybe remorseful. If you change the cycle so that when you crave a dessert, a drink or a smoke you instead do 10 minutes of yoga, walking, take a nicotine mint so you feel satisfied, uplifted and fulfilled.
START YOUR NEW GOALS WITH THESE HABIT HACKS!
Resolutions can become your real identity
“ONCE YOU FIND THE REPLACEMENT BEHAVIOR, YOU HAVE POWER OVER YOUR HABITS.”
My area of expertise is fitness (boot camps at Equinox, Face Yoga and Vinyasa at OG Yoga, writing and TV appearances on wellness) but the psychology behind habit change has always intrigued me. I recently read The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg and Atomic Habits by James Clear. If there is a habit you want to change you must create a new routine. Make the bad habit difficult, and unattractive. Make the replacement habit easy. Two decades ago I quit smoking cigarettes by only allowing myself to smoke half, then I had to re-light the half later if I wanted more. Gross. I made the old habit unattractive. I replaced it with journaling. You can do the same.
PLANNING THE SMART WAY
• Write down and plan your new habit cycle with specifics like time, place, duration.
• Make it measurable by creating a timeline, weekly goals, etc.
• Make it attainable by making the goal not running a marathon, but jogging 3 miles a day on M/W/F at (when and where) like selecting a gym near work at 5pm. Write it down in a planner.
• Make it time -bound. "I will run for 2 minutes per day the first week, 5 minutes the second week. 10 the third week, and 20 minutes by the end of the month."
OTHER EXAMPLES:
• Instead of smoking in the car because I'm bored, I'll leave my e-cig at home and listen to an audiobook while I drive instead, so I'm distracted.
• Instead of going to lunch and drinks with friends, I'll plan a hike on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1pm with them at the beach.
• I'm depressed so I will get a dog and will hire a therapist tomorrow. We will meet twice week meet at 6pm Monday and Wednesday at their office which is on my way home from work.
• I'll start exercising by hiring a trainer, 8am Tuesday and Thursday at my house. I'll download the Calm app and meditate every morning at 7am.
• I have to save money and I want to sleep better: say no to any event that starts after 6pm and costs money. Instead get a money-saving habit like cooking Hello Fresh dinners at home and doing a bath, yoga, spa, candle routine at home before bed.
Jump into Habit Change!
OTHER EXAMPLES OF IDENTITY... ARE YOU:
• Non-smoker or someone who is trying to quit?
• Yogi or someone who is trying to be less stressed?
• Someone who is doing Dry January or "trying to"?
• Chess player with my family or gambler trying to quit?
• Strong willpower or weak and unsure how to start?
For a 10 minute or 30 minute workout or yoga class, check out my free videos at youtube. com/nikkifitness. Contact me at Instagram: @nikkifitness for personal training, health coaching, private yoga sessions, family workouts, pre and post-natal fitness, and anti-aging face yoga. Believe and you will become your goal!
NikkiFitness is the author of The Slimnastics Workout and Squirrel Yoga for Sunshine (Amazon) and the star of 15 fitness videos on youtube. She has been featured in over 500 national media outlets including Live! with Kelly and Michael, Fox and Friends, the New York Times, GMA, Woman’s Health, US Weekly, Fit Pregnancy, Prevention, Woman’s Day, Fitness, First for Women, Health Magazine, Self, and more.
Habit stacking means pairing something you want to do with something you have to do. Write out the habits you want to replace the bad ones with. Instead of email and social media in the morning, I'll get out of bed with spa music on, brush my teeth, wash my face, put in my contacts (have to) and write in a journal (want to). I have to drive the kids to the bus stop and I want to put on my makeup so I bring it in the car and do it while I wait. I have to drive to my workout and I want to do antiaging face yoga, so I do it on the road while listening to my favorite podcast.
You can also set up a reward system. For example. if your resolution is to save money, for every item you don't mindlessly buy, save that amount of money for a trip.
WHO ARE YOU?
Much of people's identity is essential in change and habits. Are you an athlete or trying to get into a workout routine or lose 10 pounds? If you say you are an athlete then you will become that identity. If you say you are trying to work out, that means you are still not a fitness buff.
KEYSTONE HABITS
One small change is the keystone to a waterfall of other changes.
Whatever your resolution is, and you know what it should be. Start today with an actionable item. The new identity of your resolution will happen when you are proud of yourself for breaking the bad habit cycle! You are a champion.
