Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m not like other women”?

In this episode, we explore where that quiet need to be “chosen” comes from — and how so many of us learned, often without realizing it, to please, adapt, and shrink ourselves just to feel safe, seen, and loved.

I share my own story of unlearning the “pick-me” pattern — from being agreeable and easygoing to finally embracing my full, authentic voice.

You’ll hear about how social conditioning, media ideals, and early praise for being “the good girl” shaped our generation — and how to slowly break free from that cycle with compassion and awareness.

This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to be different to be worthy.

You don’t have to earn your place.

You don’t need to be chosen — you already belong.

Mentioned in this episode:

🌿 Barrière vitamin patches — available at havuwellness.com, shipped within Nordic Europe, the Baltics, and Central Europe

🌿 Follow me on Instagram: @thriveat40+ for more slow wellness inspiration

Female empowerment, people-pleasing, self-worth, authenticity, slow wellness, midlife growth, mental health for women over 40

Food should be simple — but today, it feels more complicated than ever. Carbs are called the enemy, sugar is labeled poison, gluten and lactose are feared, and every week there’s a new diet trend promising perfection. No wonder so many women feel stressed about eating.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I explore what healthy eating really means — without extremes, fear, or endless rules. I’ll share my own food philosophy, practical tips, and gentle reminders that eating well is about balance, not obsession.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

🌿 Why every macronutrient matters — carbs, protein, fats, and fiber all have their place.

🌿 The truth about nutrition trends — sugar, gluten, and lactose aren’t villains unless you have real medical reasons.

🌿 Why cooking simple meals at home is more powerful than chasing “perfect” diets.

🌿 The hidden traps of buffets and overeating “for value.”

🌿 How often should we eat? The breakfast debate — and why it’s completely individual.

🌿 Building a healthy relationship with food: why balance beats restriction, every time.

This episode is for women who are tired of diet confusion, done with fear-driven food culture, and ready to create a calm, joyful relationship with eating.

Follow me on Instagram @thriveat40+ for daily slow wellness inspiration, sample meal ideas, and more balance in your life.

Why do so many women feel like they’re constantly falling short — no matter how much they do? The answer lies in the invisible weight of social pressure. From body image to career to family roles, women have been told for generations how they “should” look, act, and live. And after 40, those expectations don’t always fade — sometimes, they grow louder.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I share a personal and honest reflection on the pressures women face — and how to release them. We’ll explore where these pressures come from, how they shape daily life, and what they cost us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Most importantly, I’ll guide you through gentle, practical ways to set down the weight of expectation and step into a life that feels more authentic, balanced, and joyful.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

🌿 Where social pressure comes from: culture, family, media, and social media

🌿 How it shows up in daily life — body, career, motherhood, relationships

🌿 The hidden costs: stress, burnout, loss of identity

🌿 Tools to release the pressure — awareness, boundaries, redefining success, joy as rebellion

🌿 A closing mantra to carry with you through the week

This episode is for every woman in her late 30s, 40s, or beyond who’s tired of proving, performing, and comparing — and ready to live life on her own terms.

Follow me on Instagram @thriveat40+ for more inspiration and slow wellness reminders.

Hormones are the invisible forces that shape how we feel, look, and live. They affect our energy, mood, weight, sleep, skin, and even our relationships. After 40, many of us start noticing their influence more than ever — and finding balance becomes essential.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I share a compassionate, practical guide to female hormones through the key stages of womanhood: fertile years, premenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your body, what risks may show up, and how to support balance at every step of the journey.

Here’s what we’ll explore together:

🌿 Fertile years — how estrogen and progesterone create rhythm and energy, and why healthy habits now build resilience for later.

🌿 Premenopause — the first hormonal dips, mood swings, cycle changes, and how strength training, protein, and stress care make a difference.

🌿 Menopause — what’s happening with estrogen, progesterone, and FSH, plus real tools for hot flashes, sleep issues, and bone health.

🌿 Postmenopause — living with low, stable hormones, reducing risks of osteoporosis and heart disease, and embracing new freedom.

🌿 Universal tools — the wellness foundations that support hormonal balance at any age: sleep, food, stress relief, and check-ups.

If you’re a woman in your late 30s, 40s, or beyond who wants to understand hormones without fear or extremes, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps to thrive.

Follow me on Instagram @thriveat40+ for more resources, including daily wellness inspiration and practical tips.

For centuries, women’s bodies have been treated like fashion trends — from curvy Renaissance figures to the “heroin chic” 90s to today’s mix of fitness and slim ideals. But beauty has never had just one size, and health certainly doesn’t either.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I share a fresh, compassionate perspective on weight control. You’ll hear why skinny doesn’t automatically equal health or beauty, how to embrace your genetics and body type, and what’s truly normal in women’s bodies — from hormonal fat tissue to cellulite. We’ll also talk honestly about the risks of excess visceral fat, and how caring for your weight is about protecting your future self, not punishing your present self.

Most importantly, you’ll get practical, sustainable tips for weight control that actually work:

- Why good sleep is essential for metabolism and hormone balance.

- The basics of healthy eating — good carbs, enough protein, fiber, vegetables, and fruit.

- How to spot hidden sugars in juices, sauces, and processed foods.

- Why cooking simple meals from scratch gives you more control.

- And why balance always beats extremes (yes, cake is still allowed!).

If you’re a woman in your late thirties, forties, or beyond who is tired of diet culture and wants to find peace with food, body, and health — this episode is for you.

You can also find a sample week menu with flexible swaps on my Instagram @thriveat40+.

Do you ever feel like one small “slip” ruins everything?

One slice of cake means the whole day is lost. Missing a full workout means skipping movement altogether. Not finishing your to-do list makes the entire day feel like a failure.

That’s all-or-nothing thinking — and it’s exhausting.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I talk about how this mindset shows up in food, exercise, work, and home life, why so many of us fall into it, and most importantly, how to step out of the trap.

You’ll learn:

- What all-or-nothing thinking really is (in simple words).

- Why women over 40 often feel this pressure — from perfectionism, cultural expectations, and social media.

- Relatable everyday examples (yes, including cake, workouts, and messy houses).

- Practical, gentle steps to shift from extremes into balance.

If you’re a woman in your late thirties, forties, or beyond who is tired of unrealistic standards and wants to live with more joy, freedom, and balance — this episode is for you.

How do we keep our faces looking fresh and radiant without extreme routines, expensive miracle creams, or following the latest wellness fads? In this episode of Thrive at 40+: The Slow Wellness Podcast, I share the simple, sustainable habits that help me age gracefully — and why joy is the most powerful beauty secret of all.

You’ll hear my personal journey: from growing up in Russia, where appearance felt like everything, to learning the more relaxed, natural approach to beauty in Finland. I’ll take you through the daily practices that truly make a difference — quality sleep, balanced food and hydration, movement, stress relief, gentle skincare, and even a little facial yoga. I’ll also tell you what I don’t do: no extremes, no miracle promises, no trendy myths like cutting out dairy or gluten “for beauty.”

If you’re a woman in your 40s (or close to it) who wants to feel confident, radiant, and authentic — without the pressure to look 25 forever — this episode is for you 🩷

When we think about women and muscles, stereotypes pop up fast: “too masculine,” “I don’t want to look bulky,” “weights aren’t for me.” But the truth is, muscles are not just about aesthetics — they are about health, hormones, bones, strength, and independence.

In this episode, I share my own journey — from being naturally skinny, struggling with body changes after 25, learning how hard it actually is to build muscle, and finally realizing why strength training is one of the best long-term investments women can make.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why women fear muscles — and why that fear is based on myths.

✔️ How muscle protects against menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, and weight gain.

✔️ Why building strength is key to staying independent, confident, and energized for life.

✔️ Practical tips for busy women — from bodyweight exercises at home to simple resistance training routines.

This is not about chasing a fitness model body. It’s about building the kind of strength that keeps you healthy, active, and free — no matter your age.