As we wrap up November and head into December, many of us are prepping for a busy holiday season ahead.

The next month is sure to be filled with friends, family, parties, rich foods, late nights, disrupted schedules and general chaos.

It’s an exciting time that often brings us feelings of joy, love and warmth … and exhaustion.

It’s no coincidence that we have spent the past couple of months exploring how to strengthen our sleep score - It’s all been in preparation for the month of December and the holiday season!

Today, on Episode #127 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we are focusing on 3 steps to sleep success this holiday season.

Step 1: Determine your non-negotiables.

Think of the things you do for yourself on a daily basis that would be easy to maintain during this tumultuous season.

Maybe you take a hot bath every night or use a specific skincare routine each morning.

You might take a walk after lunch or have a cup of tea while you watch your favorite sitcom after dinner.

Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t able to keep to your usual schedule. Give yourself some grace and stick to the simple things that work for you.

Step 2: Understand your unique food, beverage, and supplement triggers.

Does herbal tea keep you up at night?

Does a heavy meal leave you feeling sluggish and bloated the next morning?

Maybe you find that certain supplements help you wind down after a long day.

Try and be mindful of what you’re ingesting and when; and just remember that your timing may not always be perfect.

Step 3: Balance your physical and mental being with love and kind words.

When worry strikes, just remind yourself:

I am resting my body.

I am letting my heart rest.

Right here, right now, all is good.

These simple phrases can shift your mindset and help you relax. And if needed, don’t hesitate to seek support—whether that’s a conversation with your doctor, therapist, or trusted loved ones.

With these 3 steps in mind as you reflect back to the past several weeks of sleep talk, you will be armed and ready for the holiday season!

Lorrie xoxox

Download my Sleep Checklist

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

Hey Habit Thrivers!

We are continuing our sleep theme with an amazing interview with Matt Hassett, founder and CEO of Loftie, a New York based company dedicated to creating better tech-life balance for people everywhere!

Loftie is a modern and innovative alarm clock that aims to transform your morning routine by helping you keep your phone out of the bedroom.

Designed with mindfulness and wellness in mind, Loftie offers a multi-functional approach to falling asleep and waking up.

Mattt explains:

The Loftie has features we love like a dimmable display, nightlight, two-phase alarm, and custom content playable right on the device, including guided meditations, sound baths, breathwork exercises, sleep playlists, plus a variety of relaxing sounds. What’s equally important though, is everything it doesn’t do: Connect to your email, apps, and social media, with all the anxiety they bring along. Revamping the alarm clock is just the tip of the iceberg. Matt and the Loftie team are leading a movement of mindful disconnectedness by removing the smartphone as an operational necessity.

So join Matt and I as we explore just how a digital detox can lead to better sleep.

Lorrie xoxox

Download my Sleep Checklist

Learn more about Loftie:

Canadian shipping is available on the website. Check out the Website for great Black Friday deals! (Duties do apply for Canadian customers at this time).

Instagram: @byloftie

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

For the past couple of weeks, we have been exploring how to prepare for and let go into a good night’s sleep.

Of course, that’s the first - and often biggest - part of the sleep battle at times.

But what about those nights you drift off to sleep only to find yourself awake again 4 hours later, staring off into the dark room?

This week, on Episode #125 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, I’m going to share with you 3 breathing exercises - and some honorable mentions - for when you find yourself in that situation.

#1: A Breathing Technique with Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This practice is great for when you wake up feeling tension in your body and is a great way to teach your body to relax.

#2: The 4-7-8 breath

Just like it sounds, this practice involves inhaling for 4, suspending for 7, and exhaling for 8.

A few rounds of this breathing technique can have you drifting back into dreamland.

#3: Alternate Nostril Breathing

This is perfect for when you’re feeling “plugged up” on one side or the other.

It brings balance not only to plugged nasal passages, but a plugged mind as well!

Honorable Mentions:

Square Breath - Inhale for 4, suspend for 4, exhale for 4, suspend for 4.

Suspended Exhalation - Exhale for twice as long as you inhale.

Counting Your Breaths - 1 to 100, 100-1… whatever works for you!

Relaxation Audio - A meditation, nature sounds, or maybe a rainstorm. Anything to distract your wandering mind.

Try one of these the next time you find yourself waking up from your sleep in the middle of the night.

I just know that you will find the perfect practice to bring you back into sleep.

Sweet dreams!

Lorrie xoxox

Download my Sleep Checklist

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