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

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 — when there’s often a little more breathing room to explore something new (or refine what’s already working).In This Episode, We Cover:Why podcasts can be such a nourishing part of our daily habits and ritualsHow making podcast listening easier increases the likelihood we’ll stick with itMy favorite podcast recommendations (and why they support mindset, nourishment, and rhythm)A simple, beginner-friendly breakdown of podcast logistics (following podcasts, and saving vs. downloading episodes)How to reduce tech frustration and decision fatigue around listening (checking your device settings and choosing a podcast platform)If you’re newer to podcasts — or simply in a season with a little more spaciousness — this episode is an invitation to explore podcast listening in a way that feels calm, intentional, and supportive.You might even enjoy listening to this episode on one device while following along step-by-step on another.No rush. No pressure. Just exploration.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:The Simple Ayurveda PodcastZoe, Science and Nutrition Podcast10% Happier with Dan HarrisLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 HealthOur brains are overloaded with screens and nonstop visual stimulation. Podcasts offer gentle, nourishing stimulation without the overwhelm.Instead of pulling your attention outward (like with videos), audio draws you inward into a grounded, reflective state.2. Podcasts Give Our Eyes the Rest They’re CravingScreens are relentless — and our eyes feel it. Dryness, strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep become more common as the days fill with more screen time.Podcast listening becomes a screen-free ritual that gives the eyes a chance to repair and reset.3. Podcasts Pair Beautifully With Habits, Routines & RitualsThis is where podcasts shine. They don’t just entertain — they anchor your daily rhythms.Pairing something enjoyable (listening) with something intentional (movement, tidying, resting) strengthens both habits — a core principle of habit science.This episode is the perfect warm-up for something special coming in December: a curated list of my favourite podcast episodes to support your nervous system, your sleep, your motivation, your emotional well-being, and your seasonal routines. Stay tuned!Lorrie xoxoxLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 how the body holds onto past experiences, and how true healing requires both emotional processing and physical reconnection.So, grab a cup of something, sit back and enjoy our conversation. Love,Lorrie xoxoxConnect with Natalie:Website: www.bodyandwisdom.caPain Resources Natalie recommends:NOI GroupIASPGabor MateAPTEILoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 20s or 30s — and why that’s actually a gift.Instead of focusing on traditional “art,” we talk about creativity as the way we shape our days:Reorganizing a drawer so mornings flow betterSwapping scrolling for a stretchCreating a cozy ritual cornerGently changing a routine that no longer fitsThese small shifts wake us up from autopilot, return energy, and remind us that we’re intentionally shaping our lives.Creativity builds confidence through self-trust, not perfection.Every time you pivot thoughtfully, you’re practicing creative decision-making.And when you bring play into your routines, whether through music, candles, colour-coding, or tiny rituals of comfort, enjoyment naturally increases.Creativity also deepens your engagement with life.Instead of just getting through the day, you participate more, try new things, nurture friendships, and build rituals you actually look forward to.My own creativity lives in this podcast, my writing, and the classes I create — proof that creativity has endless forms. We all have it, and in these Me-Now years, we get to celebrate the unique ways it shows up in each of us.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:FREE Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Holiday Planning Guide: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 grows, and suddenly everything feels a little heavier. And in the middle of all that, our excuses start popping up… sometimes loud, sometimes subtle, sometimes surprisingly reasonable.Instead of shaming ourselves for our excuses, start seeing them as messages. Are we actually avoiding something, or are we genuinely tired? Is it really about time… or is it about energy?We also get into how our self-talk shapes those moments — that inner voice that pushes us one minute and pampers us the next. When we slow down and really listen to it, things start to make more sense and feel less like a battle with ourselves.So, notice your self-talk, listen to your excuses with curiosity, and let self-care be a steady rhythm — not another task. Being present with yourself is enough.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:FREE Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Holiday Planning Guide: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 there are simple ways to steady yourself and reconnect with your natural rhythm.Today, we’ll discuss:How to eat and drink to ground: Think warm, cooked, spiced meals that calm body and mindThe importance of balancing rest and movement for steady energy and deep sleepThe soothing ritual of Abhyanga (warm oil massage) to nurture your skin and nervous systemWays to honour your sleep rhythm by winding down with the dark and waking with gratitudeWhy rhythm, not rigidity, is the foundation of seasonal self-careJust remember: If you’re feeling tired or a little off this month, it’s okay!November invites us to slow down, listen inward, and find steadiness in the simple rhythms of nourishment, movement, and rest.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:“November Funk” LIVE 4-day Strength Challenge: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 with more intention, rhythm, and rest.1. Use the Time Change as a Subtle ResetThat one-hour shift may seem small, but it impacts our melatonin, cortisol, and mood. Think of this week as a recalibration window — an ideal time to notice your body’s rhythm and make gentle adjustments.2. Use Sleep as the Foundation for November Self-CareUse the time change to your advantage:Go to bed 15–30 minutes earlier this week.Keep a consistent wake-up time.Reconnect with morning light and wind down earlier at night. ✨ Try journaling, stretching, or a warm Epsom salt bath before bed.As we “fall back,” let’s fall into rhythm — into steadiness, simplicity, and care.This isn’t about doing more; it’s about syncing with what already supports you.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:FREE Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Holiday Planning Guide: Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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 restRevisiting the pillars of healthy sleep: movement, nutrition, and lightGratitude has the power to rewire your mornings—and, in turn, transform your sleep.When you begin each day with appreciation, you set the tone for calm, balanced rest at night. Remember: It’s not about perfection but awareness. Sustainable rituals come from gentle consistency, not rigid rules. Small, conscious choices—like dimming the lights earlier or setting your phone aside before bed—can make a meaningful difference.Above all, trust the process. Your body knows how to rest when you give it the chance.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:FREE Sleep Checklist (Use code SleepBliss): Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond

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.Today, we’re exploring a gentle, 5-step evening ritual to help unwind and prepare for deep rest:After Dinner Transition – Shift from doing to digestingDigital & Mental Dimming – Power down screens and soften your spaceThe Release Ritual – Let go of the day with journaling or mantrasPrepare the Nest – Create a cool, cozy sleep environmentLights Out by 9:30 – Catch your natural melatonin waveWe also look at common beliefs that block evening rituals small, realistic shifts that make a big impact, and why honoring rest is not indulgent — it’s essential.So, spend the week exploring these pre-bed rituals. Listen to your body: It already knows how to rest!Sweet dreams. 💤Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:FREE Sleep Checklist (Use code SleepBliss): Find it hereLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & BeyondLoving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” YearsInstagram: @Habitguru365Website: lorriemickelson.comMemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.comHabits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care For Women 50 & Beyond