January is the ultimate “new year, new me” season.
So, it’s a great time to think about fresh habits. That’s why I wanted to drop this little reminder: syncing up with your circadian rhythms can boost your health and energy. Why? Because these rhythms play a big role in everything from when we feel awake to how well we sleep. By paying attention to them, we can sleep better, feel more energized, and just feel better overall.
The truth is, most people have circadian rhythms that are out of sync with their schedule. Have you ever been the victim waking up at 3am unable to go back to sleep? Or feeling super flat during the day? These are just a few negative side effects that can happen when you’re not tuning into your body’s rhythms. But with a few simple adjustments, you can hit the reset button and start feeling like your best self again.
How can you start? Here are a few easy (and totally doable) tips:
Light exposure: Think of sunlight like your BFF. Keep it bright during the day to stay alert, and switch to soft, cozy lighting at night to help you wind down. Bonus points if you take an afternoon stroll to soak up some sun—it’s like waving a big sign to your circadian rhythms that says, “Hey, it’s daytime!”
Daily routines: When you wake up, eat, and go to bed really matters. That late-night snack? It might be throwing your rhythms out of whack. Switching up your sleep schedule on the weekend? Same deal. The timing of your daily activities could be why you’re not feeling your best or struggling to sleep. Small adjustments can make a big difference!
Stick with your changes: If getting into a sleep groove was effortless, everyone would do it. Guess what: They don’t. It can take more than a few days for you to feel the benefits of getting your sleep, eating, and activity into a really regular pattern. So this year, don’t just try it for a day or so: See if you can keep a consistent, circadian-boosting schedule for at least two weeks. It won’t necessarily be easy, but it will get be worth it (trust us).
Taking care of your circadian health can set you up for a year full of energy, balance, and feeling your best. Want to go a step further? Check out the Arcashift app. It gives you personalized recommendations tailored to your schedule and goals—and the best part? It’s free to download!
