The Habit Thrive Podcast ~ Self Care Habits, Mindfulness & Wellness Routines for Women 50 & Beyond

40 Episodes
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By: Lorrie Mickelson, Habits & Self Care

Are you excited yet anxious about your next chapter? Whether it's retirement or empty nesting, the opportunities and possibilities can be overwhelming. Everything from a good night’s sleep to a fit and strong body to living each day with more vitality and less overwhelm…it is all possible with this new found freedom. In this podcast, you’ll gain things like… 1. Solid morning & evening rituals to help you sleep and live better 2. Quick & easy exercises to boost your fitness 3. Self care & spiritual practices for mental resilience All equipping you to crush your day AND your bucket list. I’m Lorrie Mic...

192: The Push & Pull of the Year of the Fire Horse: Forge ahead without Burning Out - Self Care Practices
Today at 11:00 AM

The Year of the Fire Horse began on February 17, 2026 — bringing bold, dynamic, transformative energy with it.


For many of us in our Me Now Years (especially those turning 60 and completing a full 60-year zodiac cycle), this feels like a powerful moment of renewal and return to our original destiny.


Today, on Episode #192 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're exploring what this fiery, forward-moving year means for your energy, relationships, habits, and daily routines — and how to harness it without burning out.


We'll talk about:

Wh...


191: 4 Self Practices: Self-Acceptance, Self-Compassion, Self-Love and Self-Care (Part 2)
02/14/2026

Self-acceptance. Self-compassion. Self-love. Self-care.


Today, on Episode #191 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we explore how research shows that these four practices are deeply connected, but they are not interchangeable.


Self-acceptance reduces internal conflict and builds emotional stability.


Self-compassion lowers stress and increases resilience after setbacks — and contrary to popular belief, it actually strengthens motivation.


Self-love shapes identity and self-worth, influencing the boundaries we set and the long-term choices we make.


Self-care, the behavioural piece, re...


190: 4 Self Practices for February: Self Acceptance, Self Compassion, Self Love, and Self-Care
02/07/2026

Welcome to February and the month of love here on the Habit Thrive Podcast!


On Episode #190 today, we're exploring the language of self-care that’s everywhere right now—and we're asking an important question:


Are self-acceptance, self-compassion, self-love, and self-care really the same thing… or do they each invite us into something different?


Together, we break down these four concepts and why understanding the distinction can help us experience them more intentionally and more fully.


What self-acceptance really means, and how it...


189: Mindfulness & Heartfulness: Calming the Mind with the Power of the Heart
01/31/2026

Have you ever had one of those nights where your body is ready for sleep—but your mind has other plans?


Today, on Episode #189 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we explore a gentler approach to nighttime rest: Not forcing the mind to quiet down, but allowing the heart to calm the mind.


Drawing from mindfulness, heart coherence research, and inspiration from the monks currently walking for peace, we look at how the heart can become a safe landing place for worries, replayed conversations, and uncertainty about the future.

...


188: 3 Gentle Habits (Daylight, Oil & Movement) that Create a Steadier Day
01/24/2026

Today, on Episode #188 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re continuing our January conversation about steadiness — especially when the world right now feels uncertain, loud, or overwhelming.


Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about:

Using the habits you already have to steady yourselfNoticing what quietly unsteadies you


Today, we go one step further.


In this episode, we'll discuss three simple, grounding practices that help regulate your nervous system and bring you back into your body — without adding more to your to-do list.


187: Habits That Unsteady Us — What’s Quietly Draining Your Energy and Calm
01/17/2026

Have you ever noticed that it’s not always the big things that throw you off balance, but the small, familiar habits that quietly pull you away from your center?


In this week’s episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're having a gentle, reflective conversation about the habits, patterns, routines, and even conversations that may be subtly unsteadying us — often without even realizing it.


Building on last week’s episode about the habits that steady us, we're exploring the other side of the coin: The everyday habits that feel nor...


186: Habits that Steady us in an Unsteady World
01/10/2026

What if this January isn’t about changing anything — but about noticing what’s already holding you steady?


Today, on Episode #186 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we slow things down.


January isn’t about adding new habits or pushing for big goals. It’s about awareness, connection, and gratitude for the habits, routines, and rituals that are already supporting you.


In an unsteady world, our habits become anchors. This may be a time for steadiness, predictability, and repetition — not more doing.


We refl...


185: A Bold Invitation to 2026: Habits, Routines, and Rituals to Help You Thrive
01/03/2026

Welcome to 2026, Habit Thrivers!


Today, in this very first Habit Thrive Podcast episode of 2026, I hope to set the tone for a new year that’s not about rigid resolutions, but about intention, alignment, and self-trust.


You may have noticed that traditional New Year goals or resolutions have fallen out of favor over the years (especially for those of us in our “Me Now” years).


That harsh “fix yourself and push harder” energy may no longer feel aligned with who you are in this stage of y...


184: Listening, Living & Thriving: Honouring the Habits, Routines & Rituals That Carry Us — A 2025 Wrap-Up and Bold Invitation for 2026
12/27/2025

Welcome to the closing week of 2025, Habit Thrivers!


As we wrap up 2025, several themes from our year together stood out:


Meditation and mindfulness as coming home to ourselves;Movement as nourishment and joy;Nutrition as care and empowerment;Ayurveda as a reminder that rhythm and seasons matter;Decluttering as a way to lighten not just our homes but our minds;And overall wellness as self-honouring rather than self-improvement.


Woven through it all was our Habit Thrive lens — habits, routines, and rituals — because that’s where wisdom become...


183: Making Podcast Listening Easy: Habits, Routines, Rituals & Holiday Exploration
12/20/2025

Are you craving a little more space over the holidays — space to explore, reflect, and maybe even level up how you listen to podcasts?


Today, on Episode #183 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re doing something a little different — and incredibly practical. We’re talking about the logistics of podcast listening: How to follow shows, save episodes, manage downloads, and choose a platform in a way that actually supports your habits and routines instead of adding more overwhelm.


This episode is perfect for the space between Christmas and New Year’s —...


182: Why Podcasts Are the Perfect Wellness Ritual for Women in Their Me Now Years
12/13/2025

Have you ever thought about how good your podcast habit is for your health?


Today, on Episode #182 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re diving into an everyday ritual you might already love — listening to podcasts — and exploring three powerful ways this simple habit supports your well-being in your Me Now Years.


1. Podcasts Support Brain Health


Our brains are overloaded with screens and nonstop visual stimulation. Podcasts offer gentle, nourishing stimulation without the overwhelm.


Instead of pulling your attention outwar...


181: Understanding chronic pain through habits, routines & rituals: A mind-body conversation with Natalie St-Denis
12/06/2025

Today, on Episode #181 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I’m honoured to welcome Natalie St. Denis to a conversation that arrives at exactly the right moment in the December season — a time when many of us are navigating a mix of emotions, busy schedules, and the need for grounding routines.


Natalie’s work lives right at the intersection of mind, body, and healing integrating tools and techniques from both her  psychotherapy and physiotherapy education and training.  She  draws on the insights of leaders like Gabor Maté and Bessel van der COLK Kolk, helping people understand...


180: Just Breathe: The Simple Daily Habit Practice that Reduces Stress and Restores Calm
11/29/2025

Today, on episode #180 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I'm sharing the very first episode of my Just Breath Podcast.


Enjoy this episode just before bed for a good night's sleep, first thing in the morning to wake-up your breathing for the day, or as a chill break partway through your day to reset and carry on. You can experiment with the best time of the day or mix and match as needed.


Relax, breathe, and enjoy!

Loving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:

F...


179: Embrace Your Creative Side: How Small Habits Boost Energy, Confidence & Joy in Our Me-Now Years
11/22/2025

Have you ever said, “I suck at _________?”


You could fill that blank with meditation, exercise, baking...


For me, it was — and honestly still is — “I suck at art.”


Many of us have struggled throughout our lives to identify with our creative side.


Here on the Habit Thrive Podcast, we like to embrace our creativity - in all forms!


And on Episode #179 today, we explore how creativity in our Me-Now years looks nothing like it did in our 2...


178: How Your “Me Now” Habits Help You Reframe Self-Talk, Self-Care, and Excuses
11/15/2025

Have you made any excuses lately?


I’m too tired.


I’ll do it later.


I don’t have time right now.


We’ve all done it.


This week, on Episode #178 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re talking about self-talk, self-care, and the excuses we all make … something that feels especially real this time of year.


You know the feeling — the days get shorter, our energy dips, the to-do list gro...


177: Finding Rhythm in the Light & Dark: How your habits, routines and rituals ground you
11/08/2025

So, Habit Thrivers, how have your habits and routines been faring through this time change?


Well, take a deep breath, because this week on Episode #177 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re slowing down and syncing up with the rhythm of November.


As the days shorten and the light shifts, our bodies crave warmth, nourishment, and rest.


From an Ayurvedic perspective, this is Vata season — cool, dry, and full of movement.


It’s easy to feel scattered or ungrounded, but th...


176: “Fall Back” with Mindfulness: Habits, Routines, and Rituals for November Self-Care
11/01/2025

Hey, Habit Thrivers…


It’s officially time to fall back!


At 2 a.m. this Sunday, we’ll turn our clocks back one hour — and whether you’re catching this episode now or later in the year, this is your invitation to use any “fall back” moment as a reset.


As we close our October Sleep Series and step into November’s theme of Mental Health and Self-Care, here on the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re going to start talking about how to navigate this in-between season...


175: Sleep Series: Part IV – Mindfulness: The Gateway to Habits, Routines, Rituals and Rest.
10/25/2025

Welcome, Habit Thrivers, to the final week of our October Sleep Series here on the Habit Thrive Podcast.


Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the wisdom of sleep, unpacked sleep myths, and built rituals that support rest.


Today, in episode #175, we come full circle — shifting our focus from the evening back to the morning, where every good night’s sleep truly begins.


Today, we’ll discuss:

The power of gratitude as your first waking thoughtThe connection between morning mindset and nighttime restRevi...


174: Sleep Series: Part III – The Evening Ritual: From Dinner to Dreamland
10/18/2025

Hey Habit Thriver!


Wow, what a month we have had here on the Habit Thrive Podcast!


All of October, we’ve been diving into one of the most foundational pieces of wellness: SLEEP.


In today’s episode, we shift from mindset to ritual — because restful sleep doesn’t start when your head hits the pillow.


It starts long before that, in the moments after dinner, when your body begins the journey from doing, to digesting, to deep downshifting.


<...


173: Sleep Series: Part II - Sleep Myths & Mindset Shifts: A Better Way to Rest
10/11/2025

Welcome to Part 2 of our special sleep series, Habit Thrivers!

Last week, we explored why sleep matters so deeply — especially during our Me Now years — and how stress, hormones, and even our habits can get in the way.

Today, on Episode #173 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we shift into exploring how we can support it — practically, mindfully, and consistently.

Before diving into practical tools, we bust three common sleep myths:

Myth #1: We need less sleep as we age — not true! Your body still craves deep rest; it just gets harder to reach.
Myth...


172: Sleep in Our ‘Me Now’ Years: A 4-Part Podcast Series for Women – Part 1 – Why Sleep Matters
10/04/2025

Welcome, Habit Thrivers, to the first episode of our October Sleep Series!


On Episode #172 this week, we are kicking things off by diving into the “why” behind sleep:


� Why is it gold for our well-being in our “Me Now” years?

� Why does sleep feel more challenging in these “Me Now” years?

� Why do we sometimes sidestep it … even when we know better?


We explore:

✅How sleep affects your brain, body, and mood

✅The real reasons it gets trickier with age...


171: Seasonal Shifts: Closing September’s Habits and Routines and Opening October’s Sleep Reset & Rituals
09/27/2025

As September winds down, are you tying up loose ends — or already chasing the next shiny thing coming in October?


Today, on Episode #171 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re going to reflect on the past month through an Ayurvedic lens and set gentle intentions for October.


We’ll start by asking: What are you celebrating about September?


Did you start a new ritual in September or remember a ritual that you used to do?How did you feel through the month? … Steady? Scattered? Grateful? Energize...


170: Ayurvedic Wisdom to Strengthen Belief in Your Habits & Routines
09/20/2025

Last week, I started with the question: Do you truly believe that your habits and routines can change your life?


We talked about how we can strengthen our muscles of believing — believing in our habits, our routines, and our rituals — but, ultimately, believing and trusting in ourselves.


Today, we’re going to dig deeper and tap into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and yoga philosophy to better understand ourselves in relationship to the concept of belief and how it weaves into our habits and routines.


Most...


169: Believing in Your Everyday Habits: The Secret Sauce to Making Them Count”
09/13/2025

Do you truly believe you can change your life?


In episode #169 of The Habit Thrive Podcast, we're diving into a foundational ingredient in habit formation: belief. You can have all the habit trackers, morning routines, and self-help books in the world… but without belief, lasting change remains out of reach.


This episode is especially for women in their “Me Now” years who are ready to shift from “I’ve never been…” to “I am becoming…”.


Together, we’ll explore why belief is the secret sauce in building habi...


168: Why Your Daily Rhythm Matters: Sleep, Health & Habits in our Me Now Years
09/06/2025

What if the secret to a healthier heart—and a longer, happier life—wasn’t in a supplement or workout, but in your daily rhythm?


In episode #168 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I dive into research that shows how syncing your day-to-day routines with your body’s natural rhythm can change everything!


I break it down into 3 essential parts:


Part 1: A Review of the ZOE Science & Nutrition Podcast


I have truly been inspired by the Aug 28th, 2025, episode of the ZOE...


167: Getting Yourself Out of a Hole: A Simple Daily Habit to Reduce Stress and Cultivate Optimism
08/30/2025

As we come into the last weekend of August — the “Sunday of summer” — I thought I’d share a quick habit hack with you on Episode #167 of the Habit Thrive Podcast.


This habit hack (or, as I like to call it: Habit thrive practice), is all about looking forward ... cultivating optimism to move out of a stuck spot you might find yourself in.


This little habit of looking forward is simple but powerful.


It helps us shift from tunnel vision to wide-angle living.


...


166: When Me Now Becomes Now What? A Loving Tribute
08/23/2025

Me now.


What does it mean to you?


For some, it's empowering: A good reminder that your needs matter, too.


To others, it's a bold (sometimes selfish) notion.


To me, it's always been a radical act of self love and self care.


But, recently, I've come to see "me now" in a whole new light.


My concept, description, and feelings around "me now" has expanded.


<...


165: A Nourishing Breath Ritual for August Self-Care
08/16/2025

August has been a month wrapped in soft edges ... an invitation to slow down, stretch out, and sink into the little moments that nourish us.


In keeping with this season of rest and renewal, I'm sharing one of my favorite audios from my Just Breathe Podcast today on the Habit Thrive Podcast's 165th episode:

 

Nose, Belly & Heart Breathing (with Gratitude)


So, find yourself a cozy spot, slip in your earbuds, and follow along as I guide you into a slow, rhythmic breath... nose, belly & heart.

...


164:The One-Minute Mindfulness Habit Hack: A Simple Ritual for Calmer Days in August
08/09/2025

What if one minute could change the way your whole day feels?


One breath. One pause. One gentle return to yourself.


Last week, we explored relaxation as a habit: Not just a luxury or a vacation, but something that you can practice every day in almost any situation.


This week, on Episode #164 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we are focusing on the smallest, most "do-able" dose - a mindful minute.


A mindful minute in August is like a mini...


163: Relaxation Reimagined: A Skill You Grow, a Habit You Keep, a Ritual You Cherish
08/02/2025

Do you find it hard to relax?


Even if you've planned it into your day.


Your week.


Or even the whole month of August...


You just can't seem to turn your brain off.


You're not alone!


Today, on Episode #163 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we are working to uncover, celebrate, and enjoy more relaxation.


We are exploring relaxation in 3 powerful ways:


<...


162: August: The Sunday of Summer - Habits, Routines, & Rituals to Reset and Renew
07/26/2025

When you hear the phrase "August is the Sunday of summer", what unfolds for you?


Today, on Episode #162 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're looking ahead to the month of August and - hopefully - building excitement for what it holds in store for us!


First, we're going to look back at our summer months and celebrate our wins: Both big and small.


The trips, the concerts, the adventures, the hobbies ... it all goes here.


Maybe you tried kayaking...


161: Three Years In - Habits, Routines, & Rituals that continue to Lighten me up in my Me Now Years
07/19/2025

Happy Birthday, Habit Thrivers!


This month marks the 3-year anniversary of the Habit Thrive Podcast!


Three years of sharing this space together.


Three years of stories, reflections, laughter, real talk, and habit shifts that have shaped my life … and hopefully yours, too.


Over the past 3 years, I've noticed a quiet shift within myself - a lightening up that affects my life emotionally, mentally and spiritually.


I’m sharing these shifts in my life in the...


160: Mindfulness ~A Habit for Keeping Your Cool: An Interview with Mindfulness Teacher and Former Monk Stephen Schettini
07/12/2025

Today, on Episode #160 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re diving into a conversation that’s equal parts calming and captivating.


Our guest is Stephen Schettini, a former Buddhist monk, current mindfulness teacher, TEDx speaker, and the founder of The Inner Monk. 


Stephen brings mindfulness down to earth with a scientific, no-nonsense approach that helps people navigate life’s chaos with clarity, calm, and confidence.


What’s remarkable is how Stephen’s journey began:


Born into a circus family, he felt lik...


159: 2 Cooling Summer Breaths to Calm Your Body and Mind: A Ritual for Inner Chill
07/05/2025

Here we are: Summer has arrived, but you're wondering ... "Why don't I feel fantastic all the time?"


Instead of feeling excitement for the summer months that you held as a child, you're feeling the heat - physically, mentally, and emotionally.


Well, ladies, Ayurveda to the rescue!


Today, on Episode 159 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're fighting that summer heat.


We're thinking cooling, hydrating and light.


We're managing our social media and news time by...


158: Spring-to-Summer Habit Shift for Women 50+: 3 Uplifting Steps to Realign with the Season
06/28/2025

You're ready for summer ... right?


You've been wearing your BIRKENSTOCKS since the May long weekend, but have you really fully engaged in the energy of summer yet?


Today, on Episode #158 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're going to bring our foundational habits from the spring into the summer.


Step 1: Think about your non-negotiables. What are you going to stick with over the summer, no questions asked?


It might be a skincare routine or a morning movement.


<...


157: Listening Forward to Wise Women: Shift Your Habits to Amplify Your Happiness, Peace, and Perspective
06/21/2025

Ready to feel better about aging and life in general?


The Me Now years are not defined by age, but by mindset and intentionality.


This week, I'm sharing 3 synchronistic events that happened in the past week that inspired today's episode.


1. A drive home from a medical appointment with my mom.

2. Finding a book (The Swedish Art of Again Exuberantly by Margareta Magnusson)

3. A listener's message


Each of these experiences reiterated to me that wisdom is...


156: Lime, Mint & Me: A Juicy little Ayurvedic Summer Ritual
06/14/2025

🎙️ Episode 156 : Mint, Lime & Me — A Juicy Summer Ritual


This week, we’re keeping it simple and soul-refreshing. One herb + one fruit = one Me Now moment. 🍃🍈


💚 In this episode:

Why lime is a cooling, skin-loving beauty in Ayurveda 💧How mint soothes your gut + calms your nervous system ☁️A no-fuss hydration ritual you’ll actually want to doEasy ways to glow up with mint & lime (think mocktails, mini spa vibes, and more)A peek into July’s FREE Salad Challenge 🥗


🌿 Ritual Reminder:

Start your mornings with mint + lime water. It...


155: Ayurvedic Abhyanga: Nourishing Your Skin, Mind & Body for the Summer Ahead
06/07/2025

Welcome to June on the Habit Thrive Podcast, where we're going to be focusing on seasonal self-care habits for women in their "Me Now" years.


Today, on Episode #155, we're diving into a beautiful ayurvedic ritual that has supported women's wellness for thousands of years: Abhyanga - the art of warm oil self massage.


This grounding, calming, and revitalizing practice affects your entire being.


I'm talking deep, deep nourishment for your skin, your mind, and your body.


For your skin:<...


154: My #1 Breath Practice for Managing Overwhelm and Reclaiming Calm
05/31/2025

Deep breath in.


Long, slow breath out.


Repeat.


What a crazy, mucky May it has been!


As we move into June on the Habit Thrive Podcast, we’re spending Episode #154 today on my #1 breath practice for managing overwhelm and remaining calm.


The best thing about this breath practice: You can practically do it anywhere!


In fact, I recommend pairing it with some form of movement:


...


153: Feel your Best Every Day: Habits and Rituals for Weekly Energy & Seasonal Balance
05/24/2025

Do you ever feel like your mood rides the weather? 


One sunny day, you're full of energy, motivated, and ready to take on the world.


Then, the next day is gray and chilly, and suddenly everything feels a little harder and heavier.


If your mood rises and falls with the weather, you're not alone! 


And there's good news: You don't have to be at the mercy of it.


Our routines, habits, and rituals are wh...