Today, in Episode #141 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I’m wrapping up February’s heart month chat by bringing you my top 5 Heart-Healthy, Heart-Loving Habits to do on a daily basis.

#1: Movement Outside

We’re talking the bare minimum, here, so no worries!

Some of you enjoy long walks or going skiing, and some of you experience barriers that prevent you from getting into things you typically think of as “exercise.”

But forget about your standard outdoor activities: What can you do that takes you outside for even just a few minutes?

• Running an errand like grocery shopping or picking up from the pharmacy
• Taking the dog outside for a potty break
• Walking to the mailbox

#2: Connection

Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually…

How do you connect with the world around you?

Social media can count; positive interactions with groups can be very effective.

But don’t forget about those real-life connections like conversations with the cashier when checking out at the grocery store or while standing in line at the post office.

And your connections don’t just need to be with other people.

Take a walk around the block and connect with nature as you see the wind blowing the trees and hear birds calling.

#3: Nourishment

We’ve talked a lot about heart-healthy eating (remember the Mediterranean diet?).

But, sometimes, you have to eat with your heart and not just for your heart.

Think about how food makes you feel when you’re preparing it, when you’re eating it, and even after you’ve eaten.

#4: Breath

Pay attention to catching yourself when you’re holding your breath, and take little moments throughout the day to indulge in a few breaths:

• When you first wake in the morning
• When you step outside to get the paper
• When you sit in your vehicle before leaving for the day

#5: Sleep

Sleep is our #1 health habit! (And - pro tip - it is affected by all of these other habits we’ve already mentioned.)

Many of us aren’t getting enough quality sleep, so start being a detective about your sleep habits.

• Is something waking you up at night?
• A dog being restless
• A need to go to the bathroom
• The heat turning on
• Hot flashes or discomfort due to menopause

As we put these daily habits into place and work toward a daily routine, we find our flow!

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

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

The biggest thing that I’ve realized throughout my research and exploration to prepare for each episode of the Habit Thrive Podcast is the huge connection between every single part of our body.

This week, on Episode 140, we are expanding on that realization by discussing how what’s good for your heart is good for your brain.

There are daily habits that we can check off our lists to ensure that we’re doing positive things for our heart and brain health:

Number 1: Cardiovascular exercise - Pair this with some strength training or yoga stretches for an extra benefit boost!

Number 2: Healthy eating - Think about and design an eating regime that provides you with the vitamins and fuel your body needs.

Number 3: Managing stress & Strengthening resilience: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness all help regulate heart rate and bring balance to the nervous system.

Number 4: Prioritize sleep - Have a sacred evening ritual for a good night’s sleep and a strong morning routine.

Small, consistent habits create lasting change!

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

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

Happy Valentine’s Day, Habit Thrivers!

On Episode #139 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we are continuing to explore and expand our heart focus.

And today’s subject is a simple, yet powerful tool that is a mood and well-being booster that just about anyone can do: Hugging.

Giving (and receiving) hugs is so amazing for our health and wellbeing, and today we will start out by exploring the scientific reasons behind the “why”.

• Lowers Heart Rate & Blood Pressure
• Releases Oxytocin ("The Love Hormone")
• Reduces Stress & Improves Heart Coherence
• Strengthens Emotional Resilience
• Enhances Circulation & Immune Function

Next, we’re going to discover how many hugs we should be experiencing on a daily basis (and for how long) to fully reap the benefits.

Spoiler alert: The number varies based on whether you want to just survive or thrive!

And, lastly, we’re going to talk about how we can make hugging a habit.

I’m boosting this hugging habit with a fun little challenge, so tune in and join me as a hugger-in-training!

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

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