Health

Let’s be real — I don’t have time for 5 a.m. smoothie bowls

If you’re anything like me, your 40s don’t look like your 20s. Between juggling kids’ schedules, running a business, trying to stay sane, and carving out a little time for myself, the idea of “healthy living” has changed a lot.

Gone are the days of long gym sessions or picture-perfect smoothie bowls. Now I aim for practical wellness. I don’t do everything perfectly (spoiler: no one does), but I’ve built a few simple habits that stick, are realistic to maintain, and help me feel good without the overwhelm.

Healthy habits that actually work for women in their 40s

1. Morning movement in comfy activewear
I’m not training for a race, but I move when I can — walking the kids to school, a quick yoga flow in my office, or a short bike ride. It all adds up, and making movement easy is key.

I basically live in activewear. Comfortable leggings and a supportive sports bra make it more likely I’ll move, even if it’s just stretching between Zoom calls. I’ve been loving adidas lately — the pieces are flattering, hold up to mom-life, and I don’t feel the need to change unless I really have to.

2. Prioritizing sleep — even when it’s not perfect
I can’t run on four hours of sleep anymore. I protect my sleep as much as I can: trying to get to bed around 10, reading a few pages, and keeping my phone out of reach. Some nights are interrupted by kids, hormones, or a busy mind, but winding down intentionally helps a lot. For me, that means limiting screens before bed, skipping caffeine after mid-afternoon, and managing stress as best I can.

3. Drinking water like it’s my job
Hydration used to be an afterthought. Now I keep a big water bottle with me and aim to refill it a few times a day. It’s a small habit with big effects on energy, digestion, and skin.

4. Meal prepping — not for Instagram
I’m not making bento boxes or prepping 21 matching meals, but I do a little prep on Sundays: roast a tray of veggies, cook grains, grill chicken, or chop produce. Having ready-to-go food makes healthy choices easier. I also plan meals around our week — quick or pre-made options for busy nights, and more involved meals when we have time.

The goal is ease, not perfection.

5. Saying no without guilt
Protecting my time and energy is a big part of staying well. I’ve learned to say no to things that drain me. Whether it’s skipping an event or turning down dinner when I need to rest, setting boundaries is a form of self-care.

6. Wearing activewear most days and owning it
Activewear is my uniform — comfy, cute, and ready for spontaneous movement. Whether I’m dropping kids off, running errands, or doing a quick workout, I feel prepared without a wardrobe change. I wear my workout shoes a lot too — I need shoes that can keep up.

Pro tip: choose breathable, high-waisted, stretchy pieces that feel good all day. And pick a backpack that works for kids’ outings, gym trips, or quick weekend travel.

7. Taking 10 minutes a day for me
Some days that’s journaling, other days it’s a short meditation or hiding in the bathroom to listen to a podcast. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just intentional. Those ten minutes change how I show up for everyone else. It’s not selfish — it’s essential.

8. Considering hormone support (because, hi, 40s)
Hormones shift in your 40s, and it’s worth paying attention. I’ve started learning about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how it can affect energy, mood, and metabolism. It’s a personal choice, but talk to your doctor if you notice changes. Feeling good in your 40s isn’t just diet and exercise — it’s whole-body health.

Final thoughts
Being healthy in your 40s doesn’t mean checking every wellness box. It means finding what works for you, sticking with the small things you can, and letting go of the rest. Some days I nail all my habits. Other days I don’t — and that’s okay.

If you take one thing from this: your version of “healthy” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

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The holiday season is here—a time for laughter, joy, and moments with those we love. With so many gatherings and events, it’s important to keep our health a priority. As you get ready for the festivities, run through your wellness checklist twice so you can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday.

This post is sponsored by I Vaccinate. All opinions are my own.

Healthy Holiday Checklist:

Hand hygiene
Teach the whole family to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially before meals and after being in public. Make it a habit to wash hands when you come in from errands or school. When you’re out, carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently (we use it as soon as we get back in the car).

Vaccine check-up
Book a visit with your healthcare provider or local clinic to make sure everyone is up to date on routine vaccines and boosters. Don’t forget the flu shot—especially during colder months. December 4–8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a reminder that people six months and older can still get a flu vaccine this season.

Keeping vaccinations current is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness. Recent MDHHS data show only 66.1% of children aged 19 to 36 months have completed the recommended primary vaccine series—the lowest rate in Michigan since 2020. That leaves many kids at risk and weakens community protection (public health experts generally say a 70% vaccination rate is a minimum).

Protecting my children and loved ones is a top priority. Staying up to date on routine vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect family and community. Our family follows the CDC-recommended immunization schedule, which protects children and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases. This schedule has been carefully tested and reviewed by medical experts and shows vaccines are safe and effective at preventing disease and outbreaks. For more on vaccine safety and importance, visit iVaccinate.org.

Healthy eating habits
Enjoy holiday treats, but balance them with nutritious meals. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Keep healthy snacks on hand—like cut fruit, raw veggies and dip, nuts, or jerky—so you can fill up on nutrient-dense options alongside special treats.

Stay active, stay merry
Keep everyone moving. Plan active outings or add physical activities to holiday traditions—post-dinner walks, a game of charades, sledding, hiking, or a dance-off to holiday music. Fresh air and movement boost both mood and energy.

Mindful moderation
Savor holiday foods and practice portion control. It’s not about strict limits but enjoying treats in moderation and appreciating the flavors.

Adequate rest and relaxation
Make sleep and downtime a priority. Keep a bedtime routine so everyone gets the rest they need. Good sleep helps the body and mind recover and feel their best.

Holiday stress-busters
Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or short meditation, and do things that bring calm and joy. Talk openly as a family about worries and share tasks when possible so things feel lighter.

Prioritize mental health
Support one another and keep communication open. If holiday stress becomes overwhelming, consider professional help or counseling.

Spread cheer, not germs
Practice good respiratory etiquette—cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow—and if you’re sick, please stay home. We all love gifts, but nobody wants the gift of germs.

The holidays are a time for celebration and gratitude, and taking care of our health helps everyone enjoy the season. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and joy-filled holiday season!

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In a busy world full of constant stress, finding moments of calm and self-care is important for our physical and mental health. Breathwork has grown in popularity because it’s a simple, effective way to manage stress, sharpen focus, and boost overall well-being. Below we’ll explain what breathwork is and share three easy techniques for beginners.

What is breathwork?
Breathwork covers a range of practices that involve intentionally changing your breathing to achieve specific effects—relaxation, reduced stress, more energy, or deeper self-awareness. It’s an old practice found in many cultures, from Indian pranayama to Japanese Zen breathing. At its core, breathwork is about learning to work with your breath to positively affect your body and mind. Because breathing is closely tied to emotions and physical states, small changes can bring big benefits.

Three breathwork techniques for beginners

1. Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing)
This basic technique helps you breathe more fully and calm your nervous system. You can do it anywhere.
– Sit or lie down comfortably in a quiet place.
– Put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
– Inhale slowly through your nose, letting your belly lift as your lungs fill.
– Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall.
– Continue for a few minutes, gradually making your inhales and exhales a bit longer.

2. Box breathing (four-square breathing)
Box breathing uses a steady count to regulate your breath and ease anxiety.
– Sit comfortably with a straight back.
– Inhale through your nose while counting to four.
– Hold your breath for a count of four.
– Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
– Hold your breath for another count of four.
– Repeat for several cycles, increasing the count if it feels comfortable.

3. Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
This yoga technique balances the left and right sides of the brain and promotes clarity and calm.
– Sit comfortably with a straight back.
– Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your left nostril.
– Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your right nostril, and exhale through the right nostril.
– Inhale through the right nostril.
– Close your right nostril, release your left, and exhale through the left nostril.
– Repeat this pattern for several rounds, starting and ending on the left side.

Breathwork is a useful practice you can add to your daily routine to relax, reduce stress, and feel more balanced. These three techniques are easy ways to start, and with regular practice you’ll likely notice greater calm and awareness. Aim for consistency, even just a few minutes a day, and let your breath guide you toward better well-being.

The holidays are here, and I’m sharing some of my favorite women’s gift ideas from adidas. Whether you’re shopping for a yoga lover, runner, gym-goer, or someone who loves athleisure, these picks should help. Here are a few adidas items I expect will be big hits this season.

Superstar Shoes
I love adidas running shoes, but I also have a soft spot for the Superstar. With lots of color options, they’re the go-to casual sporty sneaker for streetwear and beyond. I like them with jeans or a casual dress for a day out, or even to wear to yoga. They have a leather upper and a rubber outsole, so they hold up better in cool or wet weather than many suede styles. Shop here.

Tracksuits
You can’t go wrong with a classic tracksuit. With so many colors and cuts—from wide leg to slim and the traditional fit—there’s a tracksuit for everyone. The new glam pants are my favorite, and that purple shade is gorgeous. They’re perfect for staying cozy when it’s chilly. Buy here.

Hoodies
I’ve added so many hoodies to my wishlist that picking one favorite is tough. A soft, cozy hoodie is always a safe gift. One I reach for often is the Essentials 3-Stripes Zip-Up Hoodie. It comes in lots of colors, has a flattering cut, and is a wardrobe staple. Buy here.
Another favorite is the Essentials Big Logo Regular Fleece Hoodie. It’s ultra-soft, warm, and just the right weight. It pairs well with leggings or skinny jeans for a relaxed, casual look.

Long Line Bra Tank Top
The longline bra tank is a top pick. It offers medium support, a seamless fit, and a built-in bra—ideal for yoga and pilates fans. The fabric is buttery soft and very comfortable. Wear it with leggings for class or under a tracksuit jacket for a sporty, put-together look.

Velvet Puffer Jacket
I’m obsessed with this velvet puffer. The color, the material, the fit—it has everything. The large collar is great for keeping warm on cold, blustery days.

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Mindfulness is a simple practice that helps bring your attention to the present moment. For children, it’s especially useful: it gives them tools to manage emotions, focus better, grow empathy and compassion, and feel happier. I’ve gathered some of my favorite books and resources that are great for introducing kids to mindfulness and encouraging regular practice.

Photo by Monstera from Pexels.

This post includes affiliate links; I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I’ve practiced mindfulness for several years, but in 2021 I dove deeper—expanded my own practice and recently completed mindfulness teacher training. I’m excited to share this wonderful practice with others and show simple ways to bring it into everyday life.

Why Teach Kids Mindfulness?
Learning mindfulness early gives kids skills they can use for life. Habits formed young tend to shape future behavior. Mindfulness helps nurture kindness, empathy, compassion, acceptance, and calm. It also exercises the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the area that helps with focus and self-control. Practicing mindfulness strengthens the pathways related to attention, self-regulation, and decision-making.

Mindfulness can lower stress and increase well-being for both children and adults. It helps kids stay present without judgment, which is useful as they navigate strong emotions and new experiences. Being more aware of their thoughts and feelings helps children communicate more clearly, react less impulsively, listen better, and build healthier relationships.

How Do Children Learn Mindfulness?
One of the best ways children learn mindfulness is by watching you. Kids copy adults all the time, so modeling mindful behavior and having a personal practice is the most effective teaching. I’ve shared practical ways to add mindfulness into daily routines (on Zulily’s blog), and many of those ideas can easily be adapted for kids.

Below are some of my favorite books, tools, and resources that make teaching mindfulness to children easier and more fun.

14 of the Best Mindfulness Books & Tools for Kids:

I Am Peace
From the creators of I Am Yoga and I Am Love, this gentle book invites children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present. It includes a guided meditation and encourages calm and awareness.

Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
Alphabreaths teaches the ABCs and mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Breaths like Mountain Breath and Heart Breath connect kids with nature and gratitude. Simple, fun, and beautifully illustrated—great for introducing breath awareness.

I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids
This book introduces mindful affirmations to support and encourage children when things get tough. It celebrates diversity and is a wonderful addition to any home or school social-emotional library.

The Breathing Book
The Breathing Book guides young readers through breathing practices and engaging activities to calm the mind, set positive intentions, and boost creativity. With simple instructions and charming illustrations, kids bring the practices to life by breathing, balancing the book, tracing shapes, reframing thoughts, and sending kind wishes to others.

A Handful Of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
Developed by Thich Nhat Hanh, A Handful of Quiet teaches pebble meditation—a hands-on, creative practice that connects children with nature. Pebble meditation can reduce stress, increase focus, build gratitude, and help kids handle strong emotions.

My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
From bestselling author Nick Ortner, this picture book helps children find calm through mindful breathing. In a busy world, My Magic Breath guides kids toward balance, self-awareness, and peaceful moments.

ABC Mindful Me
A fun read for the whole family, ABC Mindful Me teaches toddlers their ABCs while introducing mindfulness themes like breathing, compassion, gratitude, and kindness.

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids
This book offers simple mindfulness practices for children ages 5–12 to help with anxiety, concentration, and strong emotions. It includes a 60-minute audio CD of guided exercises read by Myla Kabat-Zinn.

Listening to My Body
This interactive book helps children name feelings and notice the physical sensations that come with them—from wiggly and squirmy to still and rested. It builds a sensations vocabulary and includes kid-friendly mindfulness activities, making it a great tool for parents, counselors, and teachers.

I Am Yoga
Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds and author Susan Verde invite children to explore yoga, creativity, and self-expression. I Am Yoga encourages kids to discover mindfulness and open their hearts to the world.

Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
Breathe Like a Bear is a lovely collection of short mindfulness exercises that teach kids how to manage their bodies, breath, and emotions. The 30 simple practices can be used anywhere—on car rides, during busy nights, or at school.

Mindfulness Tools for Kids:

Mindful Moments: Guided Exercises and Mantras for Kids
Mindful Moments introduces kids to mindfulness with interactive exercises and empowering mantras. The practices help increase emotional intelligence, improve focus, build resilience, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of calm and connection. These exercises are easy to add to a calming bedtime routine or use anytime your child needs grounding. Available for purchase.

Mindfulness Journal for Kids
This journal is full of writing prompts, easy exercises, and uplifting quotes that make mindfulness fun and accessible for kids. It’s a handy tool for regular practice.

Mindful Maze Boards
These sensory maze boards help calm and refocus through finger tracing, which also supports breath pacing. The set includes three double-sided mindful maze boards for hands-on mindfulness practice.

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Being a mom often feels like living in a constant whirlwind. Between work, kids, and housework, finding time for yourself can seem impossible. But taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. One of the best ways to do that is regular exercise.

I know how hard it is to stick to a routine. There are always excuses: a sick child, piles of laundry, or just being worn out. What helped me was finding a workout plan that fits my life and feels doable.

Here are a few tips that kept me consistent:
1. Make it a priority: Put workouts on your calendar like any other important appointment. Find times in your day when it’s easiest to move and protect that time.
2. Find a workout buddy: A partner makes it more fun and keeps you accountable. It’s harder to skip when someone else is counting on you.
3. Make it enjoyable: Pick activities you actually like—dancing, swimming, hiking, whatever makes you smile. You’re more likely to stick with something you enjoy.
4. Start small: Begin with short workouts and slowly increase time and intensity. Don’t do too much at once.
5. Don’t beat yourself up: Setbacks happen. If you miss a workout, don’t let it derail you. Just get back to it.

More simple ideas:
– Create a workout space: Dedicate a corner of your home for exercise, even if it’s small. It helps you focus and makes workouts feel real.
– Add exercise to your day: Take the stairs, walk on your lunch break, go for a family bike ride after dinner, or stretch while watching TV.
– Set realistic goals: Aim for small, achievable milestones instead of drastic changes overnight.
– Reward yourself: Celebrate progress with something you love. New workout clothes or shoes can be a great motivator.

Keep in mind why you’re doing this: regular exercise boosts mood, energy, and overall quality of life. Consistency matters more than perfection — even small amounts of movement add up. Make a promise to put your health first. You deserve it, mama!

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Thanks to BabbleBoxx for sponsoring this post.

I love the shift from summer to fall — it’s the perfect time to refresh my health and beauty routine and try new products for the cooler months. As the seasons change, I check in on my wellness and skincare to see what’s working, what needs to change, and where I could use a little extra care.

Here are some of my newest fall favorites that add extra nourishment and a wellness boost. As the weather cools, my skin and nails need different care, and these products help fill those gaps.

Biosil Liquid Capsules
Every fall I notice my hair, skin, and nails get drier and more brittle. To give them extra attention, I started taking Biosil Liquid capsules a few weeks ago — one in the morning and one at night — to help protect collagen. Biosil doesn’t contain collagen itself, so it’s vegan-friendly. Instead, it supports your body’s own production of collagen, elastin, and keratin — all key for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Learn more about Biosil here!

Core Foods Pumpkin Spice Bars
One of the best things about fall is pumpkin spice, and CORE’s new limited-edition pumpkin spice bars hit the spot. They blend warm cinnamon and spices with real pumpkin for a delicious fall flavor. I prefer one of these over a PSL any day. These bars use fresh ingredients like oats, dates, and cashews, and include probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals — a nutrient-dense snack I love to bring on fall outings. The plant-based CORE Foods pumpkin spice bar is a family favorite I’ll be stocking up on. Use code FALLBOX25 on corefoods.com for 25% off!

Tree Hut Pumpkin Spice and Velvet Coffee Shea Sugar Scrub
I’ve been a longtime fan of Tree Hut sugar scrubs, so I was excited to try their new fall scents. Their scrubs gently exfoliate away dull, dry skin, leaving you refreshed and glowing. Made with ingredients like sugar, shea butter, and natural oils, they keep skin hydrated, smooth, and smelling amazing. With my skin getting drier in the fall, I love using these to keep things healthy and radiant. The Pumpkin Spice and Velvet Coffee scrubs are vegan and free of gluten, parabens, and sulfates.

A bit about each scent:
– Pumpkin Spice Latte: Made with shea butter, pumpkin enzymes (rich in vitamins A and E to refine texture), and nutmeg kernel oil (a natural anti-inflammatory). It has warm notes of pumpkin and nutmeg, plus orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla — my husband loves this one.
– Velvet Coffee: Made with shea butter, coffee arabica oil, and caffeine. Great for mornings or when you need a pick-me-up — caffeine can help firm and tighten skin, and coffee seed oil helps restore dull skin and lock in moisture. It smells like coffee, sweet maple syrup, and vanilla — rich and decadent.

MedPeel Dark Spot Corrector Brightening Serum
Whether it’s getting closer to 40 or more sun exposure this summer, my skin needed some serious TLC. I’ve noticed more dark spots and hyperpigmentation, partly from hives I had. I started using MedPeel Dark Spot Corrector and already see a difference. The serum uses a skin-brightening complex that can show visible results in 14 days to reduce dark spots, age spots, and discoloration while brightening the complexion. It also contains sodium hyaluronate for hydration, helping skin look luminous and reducing the appearance of fine lines. My skin is sensitive, so I appreciate that this formula is gentle but still effective at fading dark spots and evening out my skin tone. Use code BABBLE20 for 20% off from 10/1/22 to 12/31/22. Click here to learn more!

Do you switch up your products with the seasons? Share the love.

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

It’s that time of year when many of us think about goals and intentions for the months ahead. Whether you want to eat better, exercise more, drink more water, travel more, or just be more mindful about your health, these products could add a little extra spark to your wellness routine.

Erin’s Faces
Our family has been switching to more natural beauty and health products. I try to avoid petroleum-based items, so Erin’s Faces was a great find. Their Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve is a solid alternative to petroleum jelly, made with three simple ingredients: organic tamanu oil (known for wound healing), organic safflower seed oil (rich in antioxidants), and beeswax (a moisturizing barrier). It’s versatile—use it for minor scratches, bug bites, eczema, burns, diaper care, or extra-dry skin. My dry hands and cuticles have been loving it!
Use code TAMANUBALM for 10% off! Learn more here.

HUM Nutrition
My digestion could use a boost, so I’ve started trying some new supplements. HUM Nutrition Flatter Me contains a blend of 18 full-spectrum enzymes to help break down food and reduce bloating. I take it twice a day before my two main meals so the enzymes can work on protein, carbs, fiber, lactose, and fats. It also has fennel seed to soothe digestion and help with nutrient absorption. I’m just starting, but the reviews are great and I’m hopeful it’ll be the little help I needed.
Use code BABBLE30 for 30% off with a $29 minimum from January 2, 2023–February 22, 2023 at humnutrition.com.

Ultima Replenisher
Staying hydrated matters for overall health, and I love Ultima Replenisher. It tastes great and helps me drink more water through the day. Ultima is a daily performance drink with key minerals and electrolytes—magnesium, calcium, and potassium—to hydrate better than water alone. It also has vitamin C and zinc for immune support. I’ve increased my workouts lately, so these have been really helpful. They’re sugar-free, carb-free, and zero calories. With six tasty flavors (coconut piña colada is a favorite), they’re a great sugar-free hydration choice. As someone who gets muscle cramps, I appreciate the boost from six electrolytes and trace minerals.
Use code BABBLE20 for 20% off (expires 1/31/2023) at ultimareplenisher.com.

BioSil
My hair, skin, and nails get brittle and dry, so I added BioSil Liquid capsules to my routine a few months ago. BioSil helps protect and stimulate your body’s own collagen, elastin, and keratin—all important for strong, healthy hair, skin, and nails. Its ch-OSA® ingredient is the only clinically proven supplement of its kind, backed by over 25 years and $20 million in research. BioSil doesn’t contain collagen, so it’s vegan-friendly; instead, it boosts your body’s natural collagen-making pathways. I like the vegan liquid capsules because they’re small and easy to swallow.
Use code BabbleBoxxBiosil2023 for 25% off a 1-month supply (one-time purchases only, not subscriptions). Learn more about BioSil here!

PlaneAire
With travel plans picking up, avoiding sickness is a top priority. PlaneAire is now a travel essential I keep in my carry-on. The Travel Essentials kit includes Clean Surface & Air Mist, six individually wrapped Clean Surface Wipes, and a PlaneAire® Hands hand sanitizer. I use the mist and wipes on the plane and in hotel rooms to freshen and sanitize surfaces. The mist smells fresh and helps deodorize. The wipes use a blend of essential oils, inner leaf aloe vera, and plant-derived ingredients to clean frequently touched surfaces like trays and armrests. A few squirts of the sandalwood hand sanitizer helps clean any lingering germs while also nourishing my hands. It’s a perfect grab-and-go kit for staying clean while traveling.
To save 10% on Travel Essentials by PlaneAire, use code mommy through 2/15/23 or click the link here (discount will automatically apply).

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