219: August Rest Series: Better Sleep Starts with Your Daytime Rest Habits & Routines

219: August Rest Series: Better Sleep Starts with Your Daytime Rest Habits & Routines

Author: Lorrie Mickelson, Habits & Self Care August 29, 2026 Duration: 26:47

What if getting better sleep doesn't start at bedtime?


As we wrap up the August Rest Series here on the Habit Thrive Podcast, I'm exploring something that surprised me in the research: The rest we practice during the day may have just as much impact on our sleep as our nighttime routine.


After diving into peer-reviewed research using Consensus AI, three simple, evidence-based practices kept rising to the top for women over 40:

  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Gentle, mindful movement like yoga, stretching or walking


The common thread? These practices help calm the mind, relax the body, and train our nervous system to recover—not just when we're trying to fall asleep, but throughout the day.


In this episode, I share the research, my own experiences experimenting with these habits, and a simple challenge: Spend just 10 minutes each day practicing one form of intentional rest. Not because 10 minutes is magic—but because it's realistic, repeatable, and consistency is where the benefits begin.


Rest isn't just something we do when we're exhausted. It's something we can practice every day.


Here's to preparing for tonight's sleep...starting this morning.


xoxo

Lorrie


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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

Website: lorriemickelson.com

MemberVault: lorriemickelson.vipmembervault.com


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


Navigating the years after fifty brings a unique blend of freedom and uncertainty. The Habit Thrive Podcast ~ Self Care Habits, Mindfulness & Wellness Routines for Women 50 & Beyond is a companion for that journey, hosted by Lorrie Mickelson. This isn't about drastic overhauls but the steady, impactful habits that fit into a life already rich with experience. Lorrie focuses on practical, sustainable self-care that acknowledges the physical and emotional shifts of this chapter. You'll hear conversations that feel like a chat with a knowledgeable friend, exploring how small, consistent actions in fitness, mindfulness, and daily routines can lead to feeling stronger, sleeping more soundly, and approaching each day with renewed energy instead of overwhelm. This podcast digs into the real how-to, from establishing grounding morning rituals to winding down effectively at night, all tailored for the realities and opportunities of life after fifty. It’s a resource for building resilience and vitality through manageable steps, making the most of this vibrant and potentially transformative time. Tune in for honest discussions and actionable ideas that help you thrive in your own definition of wellness.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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