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

Knowing that rest is important is one thing. Actually making time for it is another.

In today's episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're taking everything we've started exploring throughout our August Rest Series and putting it into practice.

I'll walk you through a simple, realistic way to create a personal rest routine that fits your life—without adding one more thing to your to-do list.

We'll revisit the Habit Thrive habit loop of Cue. Routine. Reward. and use it to make restoration a natural part of your day.

You'll learn how to anchor your rest practice to an existing routine, create a minimum version for busy days, and recognize the small rewards that encourage the habit to stick.

Most importantly, you'll discover that rest isn't about perfection—it's about creating a rhythm of recovery that supports the life you want to live.

This week's challenge is simple: Choose one small rest practice, attach it to something you already do, and try it for seven days with curiosity—not judgment. Because the goal isn't to build the perfect routine. It's to make rest a familiar, dependable part of your everyday life.

xoxo

Lorrie

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

We spend so much of our lives doing—working, caring for others, managing schedules, checking off to-do lists—that we often forget how to simply be.

But in our "me now" years, rest isn't a luxury. It's one of the most important habits we can build.

Today, on Episode #217 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're exploring why restoration becomes even more essential as we move through midlife and beyond.

We'll talk about the difference between stopping and truly resting; why our bodies, nervous systems, and minds all need recovery; and how learning to intentionally restore ourselves allows us to enjoy the life we've worked so hard to create.

Drawing on research, Ayurveda, and practical everyday examples, you'll discover why rest isn't something we have to earn—it's something we need.

This week's habit practice is beautifully simple: Give yourself five intentional minutes of restoration in the middle of your day and notice what happens.

Because rest isn't the absence of activity—it's the presence of restoration.

xoxo

Lorrie

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

If July was all about joy, August feels like an invitation to slow down and savor it.

I like to think of August as the “Sunday of summer.” The pace feels a little softer, the long days are still here, and there’s an opportunity to pause, breathe, and enjoy the fruits of all our work.

This month on the Habit Thrive Podcast, I want to explore something many of us struggle with: Rest.

We often treat rest like a reward we’ll get to once everything else is done. But what if rest isn’t something we earn? What if it’s an important part of restoration?

On episode #216 today, I’m inviting you to begin thinking differently about rest and to consider what rest actually feels like in your body and mind. I’ll also guide you through a relaxing Rest Inquiry meditation that you can do right in the middle of your day—not just when you’re getting ready for bed.

You can do it sitting outside, in your favorite chair, on a walk, or wherever you feel comfortable. The goal is simply to pause, soften, and remind your body that it’s okay to slow down.

So, welcome to August. This month, we’re giving ourselves permission to rest, restore, and enjoy a little more of the “Sunday of summer.”

xoxo

Lorrie

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

As we wrap up our July Joy Series, we're exploring one final question:

If the purpose of life is to be happy…why aren't we happier?

After spending the month immersed in the science of happiness and the wisdom of books like The Book of Joy, The How of Happiness, and The Art of Happiness, I've noticed something unexpected—I really am happier. But is it because I've been reading about happiness? Or because I've been putting simple happiness practices into action?

In this episode, we explore why happiness isn't something we wait for or someday arrive at. It's something we intentionally practice through our daily habits, routines, and rituals. From mindfulness and gratitude to movement, meditation, and the Habit Thrive Cup, we'll discover that lasting happiness is found in the ordinary moments we choose to notice.

We'll also reflect on the Dalai Lama's belief that "the purpose of our life is to be happy" and consider a different perspective: perhaps our purpose isn't simply to be happy, but to seek happiness—and to become someone who creates more happiness for ourselves and everyone around us.

As we close this special series, I hope you're reminded that happiness doesn't require a perfect life. It grows one intentional choice at a time.

So, ask yourself: What is one small habit I can practice today that helps me seek—and create—more happiness?

xoxo

Lorrie

In this episode:

The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

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Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

As we begin to wrap up our July Joy Series on the Habit Thrive Podcast, this week's conversation explores one of the most powerful ideas we've discussed all month:

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

Life will always include disappointment, conflict, grief, frustration, and heartache. Those moments are part of being human.

But what we do after the pain—that story we tell ourselves, the replaying, the overthinking, the defensiveness—is often where suffering begins.

In this episode, we explore how our relationships can become both our greatest source of joy and our greatest opportunity for growth. Every interaction gives us a chance to pause, become more aware of our thoughts, and intentionally choose a response that aligns with the person we're becoming.

You'll also hear how this week's conversation connects with last week's episode on rejoicing in the joy of others, why social media can actually become a practice ground for cultivating joy, and how something as ordinary as road rage can teach us about resilience.

• Why pain and suffering are not the same thing.
• How our thoughts often create more suffering than the original experience.
• The importance of learning to pause before reacting.
• Why relationships are one of life's greatest "training grounds" for emotional resilience.
• How awareness is a sign of growth—even if you don't get it right in the moment.
• How difficult seasons can expand our appreciation for joy.

So, the next time you experience frustration, hurt, or disappointment, pause before adding a story to the moment. Simply notice what's happening. Ask yourself:

"Am I experiencing pain… or am I creating suffering?"

That small moment of awareness may be the first step toward greater peace, resilience, and joy.

xoxo

Lorrie

In this episode:

The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com

Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

What if one of the simplest ways to experience more joy wasn't about changing your own life at all?

Welcome back to our July Joy Series here on the Habit Thrive Podcast! This month, we've been discovering that joy isn't something we simply wait for—it's something we intentionally notice, cultivate, and create.

On Episode #213 this week, we're exploring one of the most powerful (and surprisingly challenging) joy practices of all: celebrating the happiness and success of others.

Whether it's a friend sharing exciting news, a family member reaching a milestone, or someone posting vacation photos on social media, it's easy for comparison to sneak in and quietly drain our own happiness.

But what if those moments could actually become opportunities to fill our own Habit Thrive Cup?

We're chatting about the ancient Buddhist practice of Mudita—the practice of finding genuine joy in another person's joy—and why this simple mindset shift has the power to expand your own happiness.

• Why comparison and envy are such natural human experiences.
• The ancient practice of Mudita and how it protects us from comparison.
• Insights from The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
• Research from positive psychology showing how celebrating others increases our own happiness and life satisfaction.
• How social media can become a place to practice joy instead of comparison.
• Simple ways to become a "Joy Detective" and intentionally celebrate the wins of others.
• How rejoicing in someone else's joy helps fill your own Habit Thrive Cup.

The next time someone shares good news—whether in person, in a text message, or on social media—pause before comparing.

Instead:

• Say, "Good for you."
• Celebrate with them.
• Leave a kind comment or ask a thoughtful question.
• Let yourself genuinely experience their happiness.

Notice how it feels in your body. That warm, expansive feeling? That's your Habit Thrive Cup filling.

Because joy was never meant to be hoarded—it was always meant to be shared.

xoxo

Lorrie

In this episode:

The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

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Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

What if happiness isn't something you find... but something you quietly build, one small moment at a time?

In this week's episode of our July Joy Series on the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're exploring the difference between happiness and joy—two words we often use interchangeably but that can mean very different things.

While happiness is our overall sense of well-being over time, joy often shows up in small, everyday moments when we're fully present.

We're also going to dive into the fascinating science of happiness and the encouraging research that suggests our daily habits can have a meaningful impact on how happy we feel over time.

I'm also introducing a fun mindfulness practice I'm calling the Habit Thrive Cup—a simple way to notice the moments of joy that often go unnoticed and see how small, intentional choices can gradually fill your cup throughout the day.

If you've ever wondered whether it's really possible to become a happier person, or you're simply looking for more joy in your everyday life, this episode is for you.

Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and then ask yourself: What might happen if you started noticing all the little moments that make your cup overflow?

Lorrie xoxox

In this episode:

The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com

Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Joy isn't always about adding more happiness to your life—it may start with creating a little space for it.

That sounds simple enough, but many of us don't realize just how full our minds and nervous systems have become.

Before we can welcome in more joy, it helps to become aware of what's already taking up space.

On Episode #211 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're exploring the connection between mindfulness, your nervous system, and your capacity for joy.

Together, we'll look at how the things we consume every day—from the news and social media to conversations and entertainment—can either support our well-being or quietly crowd out our joy.

We'll also talk about the importance of understanding your own sensitivity and tolerance for life's inputs, without judgment.

Through simple self-awareness and curiosity, you can begin to recognize what leaves you feeling calm, grounded, and open—and what leaves you feeling overwhelmed.

This week, I invite you to pause, notice, breathe, and start "clearing the decks" (as one of my clients likes to say!) so there's more room for the moments of joy that are already waiting for you.

Lorrie xoxox

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com

Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

Have you ever looked around and thought, "Life is good... so why do I still feel so heavy?"

If that question has crossed your mind lately, you're not alone.

In this episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we're talking about why joy can feel surprisingly difficult right now, especially for women in midlife.

Between the demands of work, family, aging parents, changing roles, and the constant noise of the world around us, it's no wonder so many of us are carrying a weight we can't quite explain.

This isn't about forcing positivity or pretending everything is okay.

It's about understanding why our nervous systems may be craving something different.

This episode also kicks off our July Joy series, where we'll spend the next month exploring simple, meaningful ways to reconnect with hope, gratitude, connection, and the quiet moments that help us feel like ourselves again.

Your invitation this week is beautifully simple: Stop chasing happiness and start noticing the small pockets of peace that are already waiting for you.

Joy may not be something you have to create—it may be something you've simply forgotten how to notice.

Lorrie xoxox

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com

Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

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Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

What is the absolute least amount that you can do right now to move, to shift, and to get unstuck?

The answer is remarkably simple: just breathe.

In this episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we are diving back into the world of "Movement Morsels" (a direct continuation of last week's Episode #208!). Today, we are exploring a beautiful, powerful truth: simply breathing is movement.

This is not your typical podcast episode. There is no formal intro or outro. Instead, after a very brief setup, Lorrie guides you through a short, powerful 3-minute Breath Practice designed to help you tune out the noise of the external world and tune into the magnificent, hidden choreography happening inside your body.

What You’ll Experience in This Breath Morsel:

 The Anatomy of the Inhale: Learn how your diaphragm moves downward like a gentle piston, massaging your liver, stomach, and pancreas to create space and boost digestion.

 The Hug of the Exhale: Visualize your diaphragm doming upward like an upside-down umbrella, nesting against your lungs and giving your heart a physical, soothing "hug."

 The Internal Pump: Understand how this rhythmic internal tide filters out stagnation, shifts heavy emotions, and signals absolute safety to your nervous system.

 External Release: Experience how tuning into your internal movement allows tight external muscles—like your neck, shoulders, and lower back—to completely melt and let go.

How to use this episode: I highly recommend downloading or saving this specific episode to your favorite player. Come back to it at different times of the day, in different circumstances, and notice how it moves you.

Mentioned in this Episode:

 Episode #208: Movement Morsels (Catch up on last week's episode to learn more about the philosophy behind minimal movement!)

Enjoy the show?

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps us reach more women in their "Me Now Years" who are looking to create healthy, sustainable habits.

Lorrie xoxox

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com

Power & Purpose Daily Motivations: A Year of Coming Home to Yourself: Find it here

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond