In this episode, Rochelle takes you through a Boundaries Bootcamp, diving into the art of setting boundaries that protect your time, energy, and peace of mind. If you’re someone who struggles to say “no” or feels guilty about setting limits, this episode is for you. Rochelle unpacks the psychology behind why saying no feels uncomfortable, reframes boundaries as a form of self-care, and shares actionable strategies to make setting limits feel empowering and natural.

With a mix of science-backed insights and practical exercises, this episode will help you set boundaries that align with your values and well-being—because saying no to what drains you is saying yes to what truly matters.

Why Saying No Feels Uncomfortable:

• Human Nature: We’re wired to seek approval and avoid conflict—it’s an evolutionary trait from our tribal past.
• Social Conditioning: Many women are raised with the expectation to accommodate others, leading to guilt when setting limits.
• Guilt Isn’t a Judgment: Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it’s often a signal that you’re breaking old, conditioned habits.

Reframing Boundaries as Empowerment:

• Boundaries are not about keeping people out; they’re about creating space for what matters most.
• Saying “no” to what drains you allows you to say “yes” to your priorities, energy, and peace of mind.
• Think of boundaries as an act of self-respect, not selfishness.

Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries:

• At Work:
• “I appreciate the opportunity, but I need to prioritize my current projects. Let’s revisit this when I have more bandwidth.”
• With Family:
• “I’m not available this weekend, but let’s plan something for another time when I can be fully present.”
• With Friends:
• “I’m stretched thin this week, but I’d love to catch up when things calm down.”
• Use responses that are clear, kind, and respectful while communicating your limits.

Building the Boundary Habit – Small Steps, Big Impact:

• Start with small, manageable boundaries (e.g., setting aside 15 minutes of personal time each day).
• Consistency is key—each boundary reinforces your self-respect and values.
• Reflect on this question: What’s one thing you could say no to this week to create more space for what truly matters?

1. Think of a current situation where setting a boundary feels challenging.
2. Visualize your typical response and how it makes you feel.
3. Practice a clear, kind response that aligns with your needs (use one of the examples provided in the episode).
4. Commit to trying this approach in real life, starting small if necessary.

• ThriveHer Tribe: Join our Facebook community for more support, inspiration, and actionable steps to align your life with what matters most. Click here to join the ThriveHer Tribe!

Host:

Rochelle Waite, Expert Naturopath and Founder of ThriveHer

Episode Overview:

Why do we stop doing what’s working for us? In Episode 11, Rochelle dives into this common experience and explores how stress, habits, and our brain’s natural resistance to change can derail progress. She shares actionable strategies to recognize and overcome this unconscious pull, ensuring sustainable transformation.

Why We Stop When It’s Working

• Rochelle introduces the episode with a relatable scenario: starting a health routine, seeing results, and then gradually letting it slide.
• She explains that this isn’t about willpower but how the brain prioritizes comfort and familiarity under stress.

Segment 1: Understanding the Unconscious Pull

• The Problem: Life’s demands often disrupt new routines.
• Metaphor: Your health journey is like caring for a plant—consistent attention is needed to nurture growth.
• Listener Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced early wins but let a routine fall apart. How did it feel to start over?

Segment 2: The Science of Why We Slip

• Key Insight: Stress triggers the amygdala, pushing the brain toward familiar habits as a protective mechanism.
• Research Highlight: Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett’s theory of constructed emotion explains how the brain predicts safety and resists change.
• Citation: Barrett, L. F. (2017). The theory of constructed emotion: An active inference account of interoception and categorization. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 12(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsw154
• Actionable Takeaway: Slipping doesn’t mean failure—it’s the brain’s way of reverting to what it knows. Awareness helps you regain control.

Segment 3: Real-Life Story – Emma’s Journey

• Emma, a ThriveHer client, initially thrived with better sleep, energy, and mood after starting Rochelle’s program.
• Stress at work caused her to abandon her routine, and she began doubting whether it had even worked.
• Rochelle explains how stress rewires perception, making progress feel insignificant.

Segment 4: Trusting the Process

• Why It’s Hard: The brain’s predictive nature clings to past patterns, even unhealthy ones, as they feel “safe.”
• Perspective Shift: Subtle changes can be hard to notice, but regular reflection helps cement progress.
• Listener Prompt: What small changes have you made recently? How do they contribute to your overall goals?

Segment 5: Strategies to Sustain Momentum

1. Weekly Check-Ins: Reflect on wins and identify areas for improvement. Use a community, friend, or journal for accountability.
2. Document Your Progress: Record a short video or jot down notes weekly to track small victories.
3. Focus on Small Wins: Commit to non-negotiable habits, like a 5-minute meditation or taking supplements, even on hectic days.
4. Engage with a Community: ThriveHer Tribe members find motivation and accountability through shared experiences.

• Progress isn’t about perfection but consistency.
• Stress and setbacks don’t erase success—they’re opportunities to adapt and move...

Podcast Host: Rochelle Waite, Founder of ThriveHer

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the ThriveHer Podcast, Rochelle Waite takes you through the transformative power of creating a daily self-care ritual that’s practical, sustainable, and incredibly effective. This episode is for anyone who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or as if self-care is always at the bottom of the priority list. Discover why small, consistent acts of self-care are essential to mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Through real-life stories, science-backed research, and practical tools, Rochelle shows you how to build a daily self-care practice that fits seamlessly into your life.

Key Takeaways:

• Fit Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Rochelle shares a powerful story of a high-achieving entrepreneur who realized the importance of self-care the hard way. This example illustrates why avoiding self-care impacts energy, productivity, and overall well-being.
• The Science Behind a Daily Ritual: Research from Harvard Medical School reveals that just 10 minutes of mindfulness or self-care practices daily can significantly reduce cortisol, improving both mental and physical health.
• Creating Your Self-Care Ritual: Rochelle provides practical tips on crafting a routine that includes key elements like setting a morning intention, nourishing the body with the right foods, and establishing boundaries.
• The Power of Consistency: Small, daily actions can lead to lasting transformation. Drawing on the philosophy of Kaizen—continuous improvement through small steps—Rochelle explains why consistency is crucial, supported by research from University College London showing it takes about 66 days to form a habit.

Why You Should Listen:

• If you feel like you’re constantly running on empty, this episode will provide actionable insights to help you prioritize your well-being.
• Rochelle blends science and storytelling to illustrate the impact of stress management and self-care.
• Walk away with an actionable plan for integrating simple self-care practices into your busy schedule.

Research References for the Science Enthusiasts:

• Harvard Medical School – Mindfulness for Stress Reduction: Harvard Health Publishing. “Mindfulness Meditation: A Proven Way to Reduce Stress.” Available at: Harvard Health
• Health Psychology Journal – Cortisol Reduction and Well-Being: Goyal, M., et al. (2014). "Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." JAMA Internal Medicine. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
• American Psychological Association – Chronic Stress in Women: “Stress in America: Women Bear the Brunt of Caregiving Stress.” Available at: APA
• University College London – Habit Formation and Consistency: Lally, P., et al. (2010). "How Are Habits Formed: Modelling Habit Formation in the Real World." European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009. DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.674

Links and Resources:

• Join the ThriveHer Tribe on Facebook for ongoing support, accountability, and connection with like-minded women: ThriveHer Facebook Group
• Explore ThriveHer’s transformative programs and resources at www.thriveher.vip
• Connect and stay inspired:

In this myth-busting episode of the ThriveHer Podcast, Rochelle Waite challenges the conventional advice on bone health, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause. While calcium and vitamin D3 are commonly prescribed to protect bones, Rochelle reveals why these alone may be incomplete—and potentially harmful. She explains the critical roles of vitamin K2 and magnesium in directing calcium to the bones and preventing it from calcifying in the arteries.

Listeners will gain insights into the full picture of bone health and learn how to ask the right questions to advocate for comprehensive care that supports both bone and heart health.

1. Calcium and D3 Alone Aren’t Enough: Without vitamin K2, calcium can contribute to arterial calcification, increasing cardiovascular risks. K2 ensures calcium goes to bones, not arteries.
2. The Role of Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for balancing calcium. Without it, calcium can’t be used effectively and may cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and other issues.
3. Vitamin D3 and Heart Health: While D3 is crucial for calcium absorption, it also impacts immune function, mood, and heart health. Low D3 levels are linked to a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Advocating for Complete Health: Rochelle encourages listeners to ask their doctors about including K2 and magnesium alongside calcium and D3 for a more holistic approach to bone and cardiovascular health.

If you’ve been told to take calcium and D3 without understanding the roles of K2 and magnesium, this episode will empower you with the knowledge to ask better questions. Rochelle uncovers the often-overlooked connections between bone and heart health and explains why standard calcium and D3 recommendations may fall short.

"Why Calcium and D3 Aren’t Enough for Bone Health | ThriveHer Podcast"

• Vitamin K2 and Calcium: Studies show K2 activates proteins that direct calcium to bones and prevent arterial calcification. PubMed Reference: The Role of Vitamin K2 in Vascular Health
• Vitamin D Deficiency and Cardiovascular Health: Research links low vitamin D to higher cardiovascular risk, especially in postmenopausal women. Endocrine Society Review
• Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency: 31% of Australian adults and 42% of U.S. adults are vitamin D deficient, with higher rates in African American and Hispanic populations. BMC Nutrition Study

Take control of your bone and heart health by asking the right questions! Don’t stop at calcium and D3—talk to your doctor about adding K2 and magnesium. Join our ThriveHer Tribe on Facebook here or connect in our LinkedIn Group here to share your journey with like-minded women.

Next week, Rochelle shares her top strategies for building a daily self-care ritual that fits into even the busiest schedules in Revive and Thrive: Your Daily Self-Care Ritual. Don’t miss it if you’re ready to prioritize self-care in a way that’s powerful, sustainable, and guilt-free.

Host: Rochelle Waite, Founder of ThriveHer

Duration: Approx. 22 minutes

In this episode of the ThriveHer Podcast, Rochelle Waite explores how practicing gratitude can transform your well-being, relationships, and even your professional success. Gratitude is more than just saying 'thank you'—it’s a powerful mindset shift that rewires your brain, reduces stress, and builds emotional resilience.

We break down the science behind how gratitude impacts your brain and body, discuss practical techniques for integrating gratitude into your daily routine, and explore how gratitude can strengthen your personal and professional relationships.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable steps to make gratitude a regular part of your life, plus insights into how small moments of appreciation can lead to big, positive changes in both your personal life and career.

• What is Gratitude? It’s not just about acknowledging big wins, but about recognizing and appreciating small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. These small acts of gratitude can change your mindset, increase resilience, and improve your emotional well-being.
• The Science Behind Gratitude: Gratitude isn’t just an emotional experience, it’s a biological one. Regular practice strengthens neural pathways, boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, and helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. This practice leads to better mental and physical health.
• How Gratitude Affects Relationships: Regular expressions of gratitude foster stronger, more connected relationships. Whether it’s in your personal or professional life, showing appreciation creates a positive feedback loop of trust, respect, and mutual support.
• Practical Gratitude Techniques:
• Gratitude Journaling: Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.
• Gratitude Affirmations: Starting the day with affirmations to set a positive tone.
• Expressing Gratitude to Others: Strengthening relationships with genuine thanks.
• Gratitude Visualization: Recalling moments of gratitude to shift your mindset and mood instantly.
• Gratitude in the Workplace: Gratitude fosters collaboration, engagement, and higher productivity in teams. Companies like Zappos and Southwest Airlines have built cultures of gratitude, leading to happier, more loyal employees.
• Overcoming Gratitude Challenges: It’s not always easy to feel grateful, especially during tough times. But focusing on small, positive moments—even on the hardest days—can help shift your perspective.

• “Gratitude is more than just a quick ‘thank you.’ It’s a mindset shift that has the power to reshape how you see the world, how you manage stress, and how you build success.”
• “Practicing gratitude isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s about rewiring your brain to focus on positive patterns, even when life throws challenges your way.”
• “Gratitude isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a professional tool. Teams that foster a culture of gratitude are more engaged, communicate better, and perform at higher levels.”

1. Join the ThriveHer Tribe’s 7-Day Gratitude Challenge!
2. Jump into our ThriveHer Tribe on Facebook and take part in our 7-Day Gratitude Challenge. Share what you’re grateful for, and let’s create a ripple effect of positivity in the...

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health—Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). For over two decades, women have been led to believe that HRT is dangerous, thanks to a flawed 2002 study and sensationalized media coverage. But what if much of that fear was based on misrepresented data?

We unpack the real story behind HRT and explore how it can be a safe and effective way to manage menopausal symptoms while protecting your long-term health—when used correctly. If you’ve been hesitant about hormone therapy or were taken off HRT years ago, this episode will give you the facts, so you can make informed decisions about your health.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study: The flawed study that sparked global fear around HRT primarily involved women over 60 with pre-existing health conditions, leading to misrepresented risks for younger women in early menopause.
• Benefits of HRT: When started between ages 50-59 or within 10 years of menopause, HRT can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
• Understanding the Risks: Not all hormone therapies are created equal. Transdermal estrogen and bioidentical progesterone offer a safer alternative to older, synthetic forms of HRT, with fewer risks like blood clots or breast cancer.
• The Shift to Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): A change in terminology better reflects the therapeutic role of hormone therapy, focusing on managing menopausal symptoms and protecting long-term health, rather than "replacing" hormones to premenopausal levels.
• Bioidentical Hormones: Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones your body produces naturally, making them safer and better tolerated than synthetic alternatives.

Call to Action: If you’re considering hormone therapy, consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in women’s health and understands the nuances of HRT. Need help finding the right specialist? At ThriveHer, we can guide you toward expert care that’s tailored to your unique needs.

Step into the ThriveHer LIFE Masterclass and get ready to dream bigger, reach higher, and exceed every expectation you have for your health and life. This isn’t just another masterclass—it’s a catalyst for transformation. Learn the science, master the strategies, and uncover the tools that will empower you to navigate perimenopause and beyond with strength, purpose, and vision.👉 Reserve your place: www.linktr.ee/thriveherhealth

If you’re ready to elevate your life, break barriers, and redefine what’s possible, this is your moment. Join us and take the first step toward living your most vibrant, unstoppable life. #ThriveHerRevolution #RedefinePerimenopause

Next Week’s Episode: The Power of Gratitude: Cultivating a Positive Mindset for Well-being and Success

Next week, we’re redefining gratitude as a potent force for transformation. This isn’t superficial positivity—it's a strategic shift that rewires your mindset, amplifies resilience, and propels you toward extraordinary success. We’ll dissect the science, unlock high-impact techniques, and reveal how gratitude serves as a powerful catalyst for change in your personal and professional spheres. If you’re ready to elevate beyond conventional limits, don’t miss this episode.

1. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Health in Women: A Reappraisal Based on Current Evidence. Available from:

In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why we often find ourselves stuck in inaction, even when we know what to do. Rochelle breaks down the common barriers that hold us back—like decision fatigue, fear of failure, and the status quo bias—and offers practical strategies to overcome them. Through real-life stories and psychological insights, you’ll learn how to start taking action today, no matter how small the step.

• Decision Fatigue: We make thousands of decisions every day, which leads to mental exhaustion. By the end of the day, we default to the easiest option, which often leads to inaction or unhealthy choices.
• Fear of Failure: Psychologist Carol Dweck's concept of the fixed mindset explains how fear of failure can prevent us from even starting. By shifting to a growth mindset, we can see failure as a learning opportunity.
• Status Quo Bias: Our brains are wired to stick with what’s comfortable, even when it’s not serving us. Staying stuck is a choice, but so is moving forward.
• Actionable Strategies: From the 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins to the importance of small wins, Rochelle shares research-backed tools to help you break through barriers and take small steps toward your goals.

1. Decision Fatigue: Roy Baumeister’s research shows how decision fatigue impacts our ability to make good choices by the end of the day.

• Read more: NY Times article on Decision Fatigue

1. Fear of Failure and Growth Mindset: Carol Dweck’s research on fixed vs. growth mindsets shows how embracing challenges and seeing failure as a part of growth can help us take action.

• Learn more: Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset

1. Status Quo Bias: This cognitive bias explains why we often stick with what feels familiar, even when it’s not working for us.

• Find out more: Understanding Status Quo Bias

1. Small Wins and the Progress Principle: Research by Teresa Amabile shows that small, consistent progress builds momentum and leads to bigger success.

• More on this: The Power of Small Wins – Harvard Business Review

1. The 5-Second Rule: Mel Robbins’ simple but powerful rule helps us bypass overthinking and hesitation by taking immediate action.

• Discover the 5-Second Rule: Mel Robbins - The 5-Second Rule

1. Implementation Intentions: Peter Gollwitzer’s research demonstrates how creating “if-then” plans makes it easier to follow through on your goals.

• Learn about Implementation Intentions: Psychology Today: Implementation Intentions

If today’s episode got you thinking about how to move from intention to action, it’s time to take the next step by joining the free ThriveHer LIFE masterclass.

In this masterclass, you’ll:

• Learn how to embrace change with confidence.
• Reflect on what’s been holding you back and start building a health strategy that works for your life.
• Discover how small, consistent steps can create lasting transformation in your health, mindset, and overall life.
• Receive support from the ThriveHer community every step of the way.

Sign up now for free and start your journey toward the life you’ve

In this episode, the No Nonsense Naturopath, Rochelle Waite, tackles a common yet often misunderstood issue: brain fog. Particularly prevalent during hormonal fluctuations like perimenopause, brain fog can leave you feeling unfocused, forgetful, and mentally drained. Rochelle gets straight to the point, exploring the root causes—hormonal changes, inflammation, and blood sugar fluctuations—and offers practical steps to help clear the fog and regain mental clarity.

You’ll learn why your Omega-6:3 ratio plays a big role in inflammation and brain health, and how adjusting it can make a significant difference. Rochelle also shares tips on balancing blood sugar, the best sources of Omega-3s, and how simple adjustments—like getting enough magnesium and hydration—can help you start thinking clearly again.

If brain fog has been slowing you down, this episode is full of straightforward, actionable strategies to help you regain control and feel sharper every day.

• The connection between hormonal changes (like estrogen dips) and brain fog.
• Why regulating your blood sugar is crucial for mental clarity.
• Simple, practical steps to reduce inflammation and clear brain fog, such as increasing your intake of magnesium threonate and Omega-3s.
• The role of the Omega-6:3 ratio in inflammation and how it affects brain health.
• How to use practical dietary changes and supplements to restore balance and reduce brain fog.

• "When estrogen drops, brain fog can kick in—it’s like your brain is on fire. Reducing inflammation is key to clearing the fog and getting your sharpness back."
• "Regulating your blood sugar isn’t just about weight management; it’s crucial for maintaining mental clarity."
• "Omega-3s are your brain’s best friend. They help reduce inflammation and keep your mind clear and focused."

• Balance Test: Measure your Omega-6:3 ratio with the Balance Test and book your 30-minute 1:1 consultation to review your results.
• Zinzino Balance Oil: A clinically proven Omega-3 supplement to help balance your Omega-6:3 ratio.
• Learn more and access both through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thriveherhealth
• Research on Omega-3 and Polyphenols:
• The Synergistic Role of Omega-3 and Polyphenols in Brain Health: This review discusses the bioavailability of Omega-3s and the protective role polyphenols play in enhancing their effects, particularly in reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function. Read more on SpringerLink.
• Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Impact of Polyphenols: This study highlights how polyphenols improve the bioavailability and stability of Omega-3s, making them more effective in reducing neuroinflammation and supporting cognitive health. Read more on SpringerOpen.

1. Hydrate for brain clarity: Drink 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day to keep your brain functioning optimally.
2. Balance your blood sugar: Limit refined carbohydrates and include protein and healthy fats with every meal or snack.
3. Boost Omega-3 intake: Get Omega-3s from sources like wild-caught salmon and flaxseeds....