Mindfulness In Real Life with Open

Mindfulness In Real Life with Open

UPLEVEL is our way of saying: wellness isn’t just what you drink or eat, it’s how you live.

As we move into 2026 and beyond, UPLEVEL reflects a deeper commitment to nourishment in every sense of the word. Not extremes. Not quick fixes. But thoughtful shifts that compound over time and change how you feel,  and how you show up, day after day.

That’s why UPLEVEL brings together Kroma and a small group of trusted wellness partners who share our belief that lasting health is built through consistent, supportive rituals. For the month of January, every 5-Day Reset includes over $100 in free Kroma gifts, meditation and fitness memberships, and access to an online community with expert-led guidance — giving you the tools, structure, and support to carry what you start far beyond five days.

Why Open

Open embodies the power of intentional stillness. Their approach to meditation and breathwork helps regulate the nervous system, quiet mental noise, and create space for clarity, presence, and emotional balance.

We chose Open as an UPLEVEL partner because they make mindfulness practical and approachable for real life. Their guided practices support daily nervous system care and reinforce our belief that upleveling begins within, through small moments of awareness practiced consistently.

What are some quick meditation or reset practices anyone can do in 5 minutes?
The physiological sigh is great for a quick stress reset. Take a deep inhale through your nose, then a second, smaller inhale right before your lungs reach full capacity. Exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps deactivate the stress response. Research shows that regular practice can help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
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How do these mini-resets help reduce stress or improve focus during the day?
Mini-resets interrupt stress before it compounds. Instead of waiting until you’re overwhelmed, these practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system and lower stress hormones such as cortisol, helping restore emotional balance. The body can recover while staying engaged.

What are the 3 most common signs of nervous system dysregulation you see, and what do they look like in real life?
A dysregulated nervous system essentially traps the body in “fight or flight” mode. Common signs include problems sleeping, anxiety, and a general feeling of overwhelm. You might feel tense, on edge, or have difficulty focusing. Dysregulation can also appear physically as headaches, digestive problems, or a weakened immune system.
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How do you teach “allowing” without people feeling like they’re spiraling?
We teach allowing as regulated awareness, not emotional free-fall. Practices like RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) are paired with grounding in breath, body sensation, or sound. The key is pacing: noticing emotions in small, manageable doses while staying connected to the body. Allowing doesn’t mean getting lost in feelings but meeting them with stability and support.

Any tips for someone new to meditation who feels they “don’t have time”?
Meditation doesn’t require much time. Start with 2–5 minutes and attach practice to existing moments in your day, like between meetings, before a commute, or before bed. Focus on presence and regulation, not “clearing the mind.” Take a few moments to check in with yourself and notice how you’re feeling.
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Can you share a story of someone who benefited from these short resets in their daily life?
Students often start with one short reset a day, such as a 3-minute breath practice between meetings. Over time, they report feeling calmer under pressure, sleeping better, and feeling more present throughout the day. Nothing dramatic changed in their schedule, but their capacity did. That’s the real power of small, consistent nervous system regulation.

The Takeaway with Open

Upleveling your health isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating moments of pause that allow your nervous system to reset and your mind to settle.

Kroma and Open are grounded in the belief that daily stillness is a powerful form of self care. When meditation and breathwork become consistent rituals, they support clarity, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of balance over time.

This is what upleveling looks like. Slowing down with intention. Regulating your nervous system. And choosing practices that help you feel more grounded, present, and clear every single day.

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