Thrive with Carrie
Welcome to the Thrive with Carrie Podcast, your uplifting haven for women in midlife who refuse to let society and age dictate their health journey! If you’re tired of feeling stuck in a rut, join us for cutting-edge holistic health tips mixed with laughter, grace, and practical wisdom.
Hosted by Carrie Chojnowski, a Holistic Gut Health Practitioner and Certified Health Coach, this podcast is your guide to navigating midlife with confidence, clarity, and vitality. Carrie knows what it’s like to feel lost and wonder if your body will ever feel “right” again. After battling numerous health issues herself, Carrie dug deep into holistic health and has gathered an arsenal of simple, effective strategies backed by science to improve those pesky midlife issues that so many women struggle with. From gut health to glucose and hormone balance, Carrie will empower you with actionable advice, easy-to-use tools, and a sprinkle of inspiration.
Whether you’re seeking weight loss solutions, hormone harmony, ways to reduce inflammation or practical tips to thrive, Carrie's got you! Reclaim your unique sparkle, shed what no longer serves you, and embrace a life of vitality, joy, and balance as you approach 50 and beyond.
So grab your favorite smoothie or cup of tea, kick back, and let’s embark on this empowering journey together. It’s time to step into your power, radiate confidence, and flourish like never before. It’s time to Thrive with Carrie!
Thrive with Carrie
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Why Winter Feels Hard & What Actually Helps (Episode 75)
As the days get shorter, many women notice shifts in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation — and it’s not “all in your head.” In this episode, we’re diving into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and why winter can feel especially hard, particularly during midlife.
You’ll learn how reduced daylight impacts your circadian rhythm, serotonin, and hormones — and why women in perimenopause and menopause may feel these changes more deeply. We’ll talk about practical, science-backed ways to minimize the effects of SAD, including lifestyle rhythms, nervous system support, blood sugar balance, and how to effectively use light therapy, like a Verilux light box, as part of a morning routine.
We’ll also explore when it may be time to look deeper with labs — such as vitamin D, iron, ferritin, and B vitamins — and why feeling persistently low or exhausted can be a sign that your body is under-resourced, not broken.
If you’ve been white-knuckling your way through winter or feeling overwhelmed by where to start, this episode offers reassurance, clarity, and support. You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to just survive the darker months.
In this episode, we cover:
- What Seasonal Affective Disorder really is (and what it isn’t)
- Why women are more vulnerable to SAD, especially in midlife
- How light therapy works and how to use a Verilux light box safely and effectively
- Lifestyle habits that support mood, energy, and sleep
- When labs may be helpful if symptoms persist
- Why support and coaching can make all the difference
If this episode resonates, share it with a friend who may be struggling quietly this season. And if you’re looking for personalized support to help you feel like yourself again, you’ll find ways to connect with me in the show notes.
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.