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

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

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 #2: You can "catch up" on sleep over the weekend — tempting, but false. Sleep debt isn’t like a bank account.Myth #3: Waking up at night means you’ve failed — in reality, it’s part of your natural sleep cycle.Then, I share 3 powerful ways to support better sleep, starting right now!Begin Your Day with Gratitude: Good sleep starts in the morning.Honor Consistent Sleep & Wake Times: This strengthens your circadian rhythm, supports hormone balance, and helps everything from digestion to mood.Release the Day Before Bed: Whether it’s a thought, worry, or event, give it permission to rest so you can, too.As we move through Thanksgiving week here in Canada, let’s carry forward the energy of gratitude — not just for better sleep, but for the people, places, and moments that hold us.Sweet dreams, and see you next week.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

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 (hello hormones, stress, and yes—our beloved pets)✅What Ayurveda calls a “crime against wisdom” (pragya-aparadha) and how it relates to our modern sleep habitsPlus, I’m suggesting one thing to think about and a small shift to try this week.Next week: We move from the why into the how—simple, supportive ways to improve your sleep routine.Until then, rest well!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

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? Energized?What are you going to let go of for September so that you  can travel lighter into October?What’s one thing you want to carry forward into October?Next, we’ll shift into October by exploring what we’re looking forward to:Seasonal Rituals — Like savoring those first truly crisp mornings with a warm drink.Movement & Energy — Try a new walk, a street that has lots of maples or a bush path or trail that is loaded with leaves.Home & Hearth — Adding one simple touch of fall décor or decluttering a corner can help you feel lighter. Connections — Plan a gathering with friends before the holiday rush begins.Self-Care — Nourish skin and body with extra warmth and moisture through oil massage/baths.Celebrations — Mark what you’re grateful for as the month begins, no matter how small.Sleep Focus — Set one small intention to support deeper rest, like earlier bedtime, darker room, or a calming routine.Let’s move into October not just thinking about change, but practicing it—with intention, presence, and a little more wonder. Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:5 Steps to a Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Fall: Find it hereMy Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Self-Care Companion: Get it hereEmpowering Women Workshop hosted by Sherry Jibb: Register 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

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 importantly, we're posing a new question: What do you believe is possible for you?We'll discuss:Why small daily rituals matter more than ever in these Me Now YearsWhat Ayurveda calls “crimes against wisdom” (pragya-aparadha)How belief is built through direct experience and consistent actionWhy self-trust is essential in a time when external trust feels fragile✨ Belief isn’t blind—it’s earned. And it’s one of your greatest tools for thriving in your Me Now years.🎧 Hit play and ask yourself: What is possible for ME?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

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 habits that actually stick. You'll learn how to:Strengthen belief like a muscleConnect small habits to a bigger “why”Shift your identity (yes, you are a healthy eater or a strong mover!)Gather proof that change is happeningTune out trends and trust yourself as the expertBecause when belief fuels your habits, they stop being chores—and start becoming pathways.Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:FREE Sleep Checklist (Use code SleepBliss): Find it hereMy Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Self-Care Companion: Get 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

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 PodcastI have truly been inspired by the Aug 28th, 2025, episode of the ZOE Podcast featuring cardiovascular epidemiologist at Columbia University Dr. Nour Makarem!It explores why timing matters just as much as what you eat or how you move, and the science behind circadian rhythms and their connection to heart health.Part 2: Why It’s So Hard to Stick to a RoutineLet’s talk barriers. It’s a simple concept—but not always easy.#1 — Everyone else comes first. It’s time to unapologetically prioritize YOU. Your rhythm matters. Your health matters. Period.#2 — Social media distractions. Devices and apps are designed to hijack your attention. Let’s talk boundaries and how to reclaim your time.#3 — It’s just… hard. It’s challenging to see immediate results. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t working. Stick with it. Trust the process. Your rhythm is your superpower.Part 3: What To Do About It — Your Rhythm Reset PlanReady to take action? This isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration.Observe your own body’s rhythms for a monthPlan your days around your energy highs and lowsTrack your sleep, meals, movement, and moodRemember, ladies: No device, app, or expert knows your body like you do. You are the boss of your own rhythm!Love,Lorrie xoxoxOn this episode:ZOE Podcast Episode: Click to ListenFREE Sleep Checklist (Use code SleepBliss): Find it hereMy Fit, Fearless & Fabulous Self-Care Companion: Get 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

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.Whether you find yourself facing down a health issue, a life change, the aftermath of a disagreement, or any other event or situation that plagues your mind, these three steps I'm sharing today can help you move past the spot you're in.Remember: This moment is temporary.What lies ahead is wider, lighter, and filled with possibility!Love,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.comLoving 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

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.It now includes "me now" years, "me now" days, weeks, and even moments.Today, I'm going to share with you how a recent loss in my life and my family's life has caused this reframing of thoughts and brought forth some important lessons.Lessons that I want to lovingly share with you in the hopes that they can help ease a similar situation you may find yourself in.Because, even in the most difficult times, "me now" can still exist — just in smaller, gentler ways.Love,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