10 “Healthy” Habits That Aren't Actually Healthy & Disrupting Your Hormones, Energy, and Glow Up {podcast ep.382}

You can eat clean, work out consistently, drink your water, and still feel like something in your body is… off.

That’s the part no one really talks about.

Because for so many of us—especially in our 40s—we’re not starting from scratch. We’re coming into this decade with years of habits, beliefs, and morning routines that we’ve been told are “healthy.” And yet, instead of feeling energized, clear, and aligned, we feel depleted, inflamed, and disconnected from our bodies.

I’ve been in that place.

And what I’ve realized is this:
a lot of what we’ve been taught about health isn’t designed for where we are now.

Not hormonally. Not energetically. Not in the way we actually want to feel in our lives.

Because true wellness—real, lasting, feminine wellness—isn’t built on control.
It’s built on support.

These are 10 “healthy” habits I had to completely rethink… and what I’ve shifted into instead.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode Here

10 “Healthy” Habits that aren’t actually healthy

1. Eating Less to “Control” Your Body

For years, the message was simple: eat less, weigh less.

And while that might create short-term results, what it often creates long-term is a body that feels stressed, deprived, and constantly trying to hold on.

When you undereat or skip meals, your body doesn’t feel safe—it feels threatened. Cortisol rises, your metabolism adapts, and instead of releasing weight or inflammation, your body holds onto it.

In my 40s, I had to completely shift this mindset.

Not toward overeating—but toward intentional nourishment.

Balanced meals. Enough protein. Enough nutrients. Enough consistency.

Because your body doesn’t glow when it feels restricted.
It glows when it feels supported.

2. Training Harder Instead of Smarter

There was a time when I believed the best workout was the one that left me completely exhausted.

Sweaty. Drained. Pushed to the edge.

But what I’ve learned—especially as hormones begin to shift—is that more intensity doesn’t always equal better results.

In fact, too much high-intensity training can spike cortisol, disrupt hormones, and actually make it harder for your body to release weight.

Now, I focus on movement that works with my body:

• walking

• strength training

• slower, intentional workouts

Because in this season of life, your body responds far better to consistency and support than stress and force.

3. Thinking Low-Calorie Means Healthy

“Low-calorie” has been marketed as synonymous with “healthy” for decades.

But when you really look at many of those foods—protein bars, packaged snacks, “diet” products—they’re often highly processed, stripped of real nutrients, and designed for convenience, not nourishment.

And your body knows the difference.

In this chapter, I’ve shifted toward whole, real foods that actually fuel me:

• meals that stabilize blood sugar

• foods that support hormones

• ingredients I recognize

Because health isn’t about how little you can eat.
It’s about how well you nourish yourself.

4. Cutting Carbs Completely

Carbs have been demonized in so many ways, especially in wellness spaces.

But for women—especially over 40—cutting carbs too aggressively can backfire.

It can:

• increase cortisol

• disrupt sleep

• affect thyroid function

• leave you feeling depleted

What matters more is how you’re eating them.

Balanced, intentional carbohydrates paired with protein and fat can actually support energy, hormones, and overall stability.

Carbs aren’t the problem.
Unstable blood sugar is.

5. Assuming “Gluten-Free” Automatically Means Healthy

The label looks clean. The packaging feels elevated. It sounds like the better choice.

But “gluten-free” doesn’t always mean nourishing.

Many gluten-free products are still:

• highly processed

• filled with additives

• low in real nutritional value

This is where learning to read beyond the label becomes important.

Because true health isn’t found in marketing—it’s found in ingredients, quality, and how your body actually responds.

Related: My go to 7 day anti-inflammatory detox formula

6. Thinking More Protein Is Always Better

Protein has become one of the most praised nutrients in modern wellness—and for good reason. It supports muscle, metabolism, and overall strength, especially as we age.

But what I’ve started to understand is that more isn’t always better.

There’s a difference between intentional nourishment and constant overconsumption.

When we’re constantly focused on increasing protein—through powders, bars, and heavily processed “high-protein” foods—we can miss something equally important: the body’s natural ability to repair, renew, and reset.

Longevity isn’t just about building.
It’s about how well your body can restore itself.

And that restoration often happens in states where the body isn’t constantly digesting or overloaded—where there’s space for cellular repair, balance, and renewal.

That’s why it’s not about eliminating protein—but about using it wisely:

• enough to support muscle and strength

• but not so much that it overrides your body’s natural rhythms

And just as importantly, it’s about what you’re pairing it with.

Fiber, whole foods, and real, nourishing ingredients matter just as much—if not more—than hitting a protein number.

Because your body doesn’t just need more input.
It needs balance.

7. Believing Doctors Know Your Body Better Than You Do

This one can feel a little controversial—but it’s important.

Doctors are essential. They’re trained, knowledgeable, and necessary for diagnosing and treating illness.

But they don’t live in your body.

You do.

You’re the one who feels:

• your energy levels

• your digestion

• your sleep

• your emotional state

And in this season of life, learning to trust that awareness is powerful.

You don’t replace medical guidance—you partner with it.

Because you are the primary authority on your body.

8. Thinking You Can Thrive waking up a 4am (only getting 5–6 Hours of Sleep)

Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice—and the one thing that impacts everything.

Especially in your 40s, when your body is:

• repairing cells

• regulating hormones

• managing inflammation

Chronic lack of sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it accelerates aging, disrupts metabolism, and affects nearly every system in the body.

This is something I’ve become deeply intentional about.

Because sleep isn’t a luxury.
It’s where your glow is actually built.

Related: 10 morning habits that will set you up for a calm day

9. Avoiding the Sun Completely

We’ve been taught to fear the sun.

And while protection matters, complete avoidance can also disconnect us from something our bodies are designed to need.

Morning sunlight, especially, plays a powerful role in:

• regulating circadian rhythm

• supporting mood

• helping your body wake up naturally

It’s also one of the most important natural sources of vitamin D, which is essential for hormone balance, immune function, and overall health. Low levels of vitamin D have even been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases, including cancer—something many women are quietly deficient in without even realizing it.

There’s something grounding about stepping outside, feeling light on your skin, and letting your body sync with the day.

It’s not about overexposure.
It’s about reconnection.

10. Pushing Through When Your Body Is Asking You to Rest

For so long, we’ve been conditioned to push through.

Push through the fatigue.
Push through the stress.
Push through the feeling that something is just… off.

Because somewhere along the way, we learned that slowing down meant falling behind.

But your body doesn’t see it that way.

Your body is always communicating. And when it’s asking for rest, it’s not being lazy—it’s asking for repair, regulation, and support.

What I’ve come to understand, especially in this season of my life, is that rest isn’t one-dimensional. It’s not just sleep.

There are multiple forms of rest your body and mind require to truly feel restored—physical rest, yes, but also mental, emotional, and even sensory rest.

I recently did an entire episode on the 7 different types of rest that every woman needs, and it opened my eyes to how often we try to fix exhaustion with the wrong solution.

Because sometimes, you don’t need more discipline.
You need deeper restoration.

And when you start honoring that—when you actually listen instead of override—your body responds in ways that feel almost immediate.

More clarity.
More energy.
More ease.

Because the goal isn’t to push harder.
It’s to support yourself better.

A New Way to Think About Health

What I’ve come to understand is that most women aren’t failing at their health.

They’ve just been following rules that were never designed for their bodies in this season of life.

When you begin to shift from control to support…
everything starts to change.

Your energy.
Your clarity.
Your relationship with your body.

And from there, your life expands in ways that feel natural, sustainable, and deeply aligned.

If You’re Ready to Go Deeper

If this resonates with you, this is exactly the work I walk through inside The Glow Code—where we focus on resetting your body, supporting your hormones, and rebuilding your energy in a way that actually lasts.

Because you deserve to feel good in your body again.
Not someday—now.

P.S. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

You may also like:

🌹 How to finally become a securely attached woman

🌹 10 morning habits to help start your day with clarity + intention

🌹 12 feminine energy books every woman should read

🌹 44 things to do on a Sunday to start your week off right

Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions!  I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume!  Have an amazing day!!

Also, check out my Amazon shop HERE to shop all my favorite things, tips and tricks. You can also download the free LIKETOKNOW.IT app and follow me HERE.

STAY IN THE KNOW:  Don’t forget to sign up for my exclusive Love Letters for STYLE TIPS, LIFE ADVICE, COSMIC TEA, AND MUCH MORE!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you! xo, Ashlina

FOLLOW ALONG: Instagram | Pinterest | Shop Amazon | You Tube

10 Calm Morning Habits That Help Women Over 40 Start the Day with Clarity and Intention

Struggling to find the right morning routine? This post will help you come up with an easy and realistic way to start your morning right.

My morning ritual story

My favorite tea cup company no longer makes my favorite tea cup. So, yesterday I spent hours scouring Ebay and the internets searching for anyone selling these very specific tea cups that I am obsessed with. I have a major obsession with tea and coffee and I like my cup to have a specific style. I cannot stand a small cup, I like my cups large enough for at least a good 10 - 12 oz . I also like a very curved handle, it has to be a very specific handle for me to love the cup.

Anyway, this got me to thinking about my mornings and my morning routine and rituals.

You don’t have to rush your mornings to have a productive day.

In fact, many women discover that as life becomes fuller—with careers, families, responsibilities, and personal growth—a calm and intentional morning routine becomes one of the most powerful ways to support overall wellbeing.

The way we begin the day often shapes how the rest of it unfolds.

When mornings feel rushed, scattered, or reactive, that energy tends to follow us throughout the day. But when we start the morning with a few quiet, grounding habits, we create space for clarity, focus, and calm.

For women over 40 especially, morning routines often shift away from hustle and toward intention. Instead of trying to accomplish everything before 9 a.m., the goal becomes creating a rhythm that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.

In this guide, we’ll explore simple morning habits that help create a calm, nourishing start to the day—habits that support energy, mindset, and overall balance. Because choosing to tend to yourself first, is the most important shift to make in life.

You may also like:

• 20 simple home upgrades that will make your life easier
• How to Make Hands Look Younger
• 17 ways to simplify your life and create more calm

Why Morning Routines Matter More After 40

As we move into our 40s and beyond, our bodies and lifestyles naturally change.

Hormonal shifts, increased responsibilities, and the desire for greater balance often lead many women to rethink how they start their day.

A thoughtful morning routine can support:

• better energy levels

• improved mood and focus

• reduced stress

• healthier habits throughout the day

Rather than rushing through the morning, a calm routine allows space for intentional habits that nurture both the body and mind.

10 REALISTIC Healthy Morning Habits FOR WOMEN OVER 40

1.Wake up slowly. But make sure you get up.

It is incredibly enticing to hit snooze when your alarm goes off but hitting snooze & drifting back into sleep is completely counter productive to your day. Hitting snooze will leave you actually feeling groggy and leave your more tired. Here’s why: when you’re relying on your alarm to alert you so that you can get more bits of sleep, it interrupts your bodies internal clock therefore disrupting your mind & body’s internal sleep system.

When you go back to sleep, your body begins a new REM cycle and it’s likely that you won’t fully complete that cycle which ends up leading to long term health defects. Your best bet is to get up when you wake up. Push through the tough part but be sure to allow yourself the time and space to get up slowly. Take a few long deep breaths to get your cells moving, your body will follow suit.

HOT TIP: In order to give my brain a boost in the morning, I set the light in our bedroom to a soft pink light to soften the light on my eyes. It helps to transition easier. You can grab a Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp and it will totally transform your morning routine. I also would grab my water bottle instead of grabbing my phone. Ensuring I get some really cold water before I get up really helps your body wake up naturally.

You don’t have to get up super early to have an effective routine but shoot for about 30 minutes earlier than your normal wake time.

2. Stretch your body & do breath work.

I feel like this is something we know but we just don’t do enough. So, if you can actually find a way to do some stretches in bed, it makes it easier to remember to do in the morning and I like to stretch as I am getting into my mini morning break work session.

The benefits you will get from stretching you body are endless. Most importantly, it helps you to ensure that your muscles relax, tense muscles are what leads to poor posture. Proper posture is a significant factor on your long term health. Doing your stretching and some Wim Hof breakwork before you even get out of bed in the morning is the most efficient and health effective thing you can do for yourself.

3. Hydrate & nourish your body.

Just after waking up, I love to head to the kitchen to make myself some drinks. I do three things.

1. I take a quick shot of Apple Cider Vinegar. It will wake you up instantly if you’re still feeling groggy. It’s so good for you and the taste is a shock to the system. You can also just take the vitamins.

2. Then, I drink some water. I like to fill my water with vitamins and nutrients, chlorophyl and lemon.

3. I take my vitamins. On Sundays, I refill my vitamin planner which is absolutely essential for me.

4. Make everything a ritual, especially your coffee.

Coffee is a ritual for me. I make it a beautiful experience and in doing so, it’s a mindful form of self care. Like I explained before, I am very specific about my coffee cup. I’m also specific in what I put in my coffee and how it looks.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying my iced coffee out of a wine glass, it’s how you do things not just what you do. It is this ritual in the morning, that transforms how I feel for the day. When I rush, spill coffee, hurry out of the door…the day ends up feeling frantic and erratic. When I am in control of my morning and I curate a visually appealing and fun experience, I feel powerful and purposeful in my day.

As a person who is incredibly visual and connected to all things beautiful, I like to linger around my pretty table setting, gaze at beautiful flowers, open the window and connect with the weather. I use this time to be mindful, you can always ask yourself these questions while you are curating your beautiful morning and enjoying your coffee or tea.

5. Set intentions for your day.

In yoga philosophy, it is called san-kalpa. According to one definition, the word can be described as: “A vow that comes from the very core of your heart -- the place of your deepest truth. It is different than a goal, in that it's a longing that comes from your highest self instead of your thinking brain.”

The power of an intention is incredible, whether it's just one or several. You can set as many or as little as you want and what’s great is that they can be experienced all at once, ensuring that you feel whole. Setting intentions ensures that you don't feel that something is missing or lacking in your life. They’re like planting seeds and creating a foundation for your day. It helps you to focus on the present, what you are intending right now instead of tripping about what’s happening in the future. This is my secret to so much of what I have created in life, intentions have transformed me. When I set intentions for the financial goals I have, I’ve noticed how my subconscious mind will come up with ideas to help me reach those intentions almost out of the blue.

How to set your intentions: On Monday’s I like to set weekly intentions and every morning I set daily ones. You want to choose a goal or mantra that you would like to use to help shape your life experience. It could be something like, “be more mindful today” or “I am going to lose 3 lbs this week”. After you decide your intention, you want to make a ritual out of setting the intention.

For years, I did it with candles. I would light a candle as I set my intention. However, when I began learning about the power of crystal healing (if you want to understand crystal healing better, grab my ebook Manifesting with Crystals), I personally started to use my crystal jewelry to help me with my intentions and honestly it changed my entire life! The power of crystal healing is truly transformational.

6. Make Your Bed

Making your bed might seem like a small task, but it has a surprisingly powerful psychological impact.

Completing one simple act of organization early in the day creates a sense of order and accomplishment. It signals to the brain that the day has begun with intention and care.

Walking into a tidy bedroom later in the day also creates a calmer environment, which can help reduce visual clutter and stress.

This habit takes only a minute or two but can make your entire space feel more peaceful.

Creating a peaceful morning is often connected to the environment around you. I also shared 20 simple home upgrades that make everyday life easier if you’re looking for small ways to improve your space.

7. Spend a Few Minutes Journaling

Journaling is one of the most effective ways to clear mental clutter and connect with your thoughts before the day begins.

Writing for even five minutes can help bring awareness to your mindset, goals, and emotions.

Some people prefer gratitude journaling, while others like to simply write whatever comes to mind.

You might reflect on:

• things you’re grateful for
• a goal you want to focus on
• something you’re currently learning
• thoughts that feel heavy or distracting

Journaling creates space for self-reflection and can help you start the day feeling mentally lighter and more focused.

8. Step Outside for Morning Light (and Tend to Something Living)

One of the most grounding things you can do in the morning is simply step outside for a few minutes of natural light.

Morning sunlight plays an important role in regulating our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that helps control our sleep, energy levels, and mood. When your eyes receive natural light early in the day, your brain signals that it’s time to wake up and become alert. This can help improve focus throughout the day and even support deeper sleep later that night.

But beyond the science, there’s also something deeply calming about beginning the day outdoors.

If you can, take a few moments to care for something living. Watering plants on your porch, tending to a small garden, or simply stepping outside to check on a favorite plant can become a quiet ritual that gently connects you to the day ahead.

Even a few minutes of fresh air and sunlight — coffee in hand, watering a plant, or standing in the morning stillness — can help your mind shift into a calmer, more present state.

9. Delay the Noise of the World

One of the most powerful things you can do for your mental clarity is delaying outside input for a little while in the morning.

Emails, news, notifications, and social media all compete for our attention the moment we open our phones. When we start the day by immediately consuming information, our mind shifts into reactive mode before we’ve even had a chance to gather our own thoughts.

Giving yourself a small window of quiet before engaging with the outside world allows your mind to wake up more peacefully.

Instead of reaching for your phone right away, let your first moments be slower and more intentional. Enjoy your coffee, sit quietly for a few minutes, or simply observe the morning light coming through the windows.

Protecting that quiet space in the morning can help you move through the day with more focus and emotional steadiness.

10. Tidy One Small Area

There’s something incredibly satisfying about restoring a small sense of order first thing in the morning.

Rather than trying to clean an entire room, focus on tidying just one small area of your home. It might be clearing the kitchen counter, straightening a coffee table, or putting away a few items that were left out the night before.

This simple habit creates a subtle shift in how your home feels.

When small areas are cared for consistently, the entire space begins to feel calmer and more intentional. It’s less about perfection and more about creating small moments of order that support your day.

Many women find that this tiny ritual also brings a sense of mental clarity. When your surroundings feel peaceful and organized, it becomes easier to focus on the things that matter most.

Over time, these small acts of care help create a home that feels supportive, welcoming, and beautifully lived in.

What Is the Best Morning Routine for Women Over 40?

As life evolves, so do our routines.

Many women find that their mornings begin to shift in their 40s and beyond. Instead of rushing through the start of the day, the focus often becomes creating a rhythm that supports energy, calm, and clarity.

A healthy morning routine for women over 40 doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the most sustainable routines are often the simplest ones — habits that support hydration, gentle movement, mindset, and a calm environment before the responsibilities of the day begin.

The key is building a routine that feels supportive rather than overwhelming. Small daily rituals like stretching, journaling, drinking water, and stepping into morning light can help create a grounded start that positively influences the rest of the day.

A Simple 20-Minute Calm Morning Routine

If your mornings tend to feel rushed, it can be helpful to think of your routine as a series of small moments rather than a long checklist.

Even a calm 20-minute rhythm can set the tone for a more grounded, intentional day.

Here’s an example of what that might look like.

First 5 minutes – Wake up gently
Resist the urge to grab your phone immediately. Sit up slowly, take a few deep breaths, and allow your mind to wake up gradually. Turn on a soft lamp or open the curtains to let natural light into the room.

Next 5 minutes – Hydrate and stretch
Drink a glass of water and gently stretch your body. Roll your shoulders, stretch your arms overhead, and take a few slow breaths to help your body transition from sleep into movement.

Next 5 minutes – Step outside or welcome the morning light
Step outside for fresh air, or open a window and let sunlight fill your space. Water a plant, tend to a small garden, or simply stand quietly for a moment with your coffee and enjoy the stillness of the morning.

Final 5 minutes – Set the tone for your day
Write down one intention for the day, journal for a few minutes, or sit quietly with your thoughts. This small pause can help create clarity before the responsibilities of the day begin.

A calm morning routine doesn’t have to be perfect or complicated.

Often it’s the simplest habits — a glass of water, a few minutes of sunlight, a quiet moment to gather your thoughts — that make the biggest difference.

Over time, these small rituals become the foundation for mornings that feel less rushed and far more nourishing.

Creating Calm for women over 40

Creating a calm morning routine is often the first step toward a much larger life reset.

Many women discover that once they begin changing small daily habits — how they start the day, how they care for their bodies, and how they move through their routines — everything else begins to shift as well.

That’s exactly why I created The 40+ Glow Code, a program designed to help women reset their habits, reclaim their confidence, and create daily rituals that support energy, wellness, and a renewed sense of self.

If you’re ready to go deeper into building routines that truly support your glow-up, you can learn more about the program here.

So there you have it. These are the 10 habits I use to ensure I start my morning off with power and alignment. What are your favorite morning rituals and routines? I would love to know. Take a listen to this episode of the Feminine and Ambitious podcast for a deeper look into the power of morning routines.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

You may also like:

🌹 How to finally become a securely attached woman

🌹 How to balance your masculine & feminine energy

🌹 12 feminine energy books every woman should read

🌹 44 things to do on a Sunday to start your week off right

Please feel free to email me at ashlina@thedecorista.com if you have any questions!  I’m always happy to help with decorating, life advice or even picking out a specific perfume!  Have an amazing day!!

Also, check out my Amazon shop HERE to shop all my favorite things, tips and tricks. You can also download the free LIKETOKNOW.IT app and follow me HERE.

STAY IN THE KNOW:  Don’t forget to sign up for my exclusive Love Letters for STYLE TIPS, LIFE ADVICE, COSMIC TEA, AND MUCH MORE!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by today, I truly appreciate all of you! xo, Ashlina

FOLLOW ALONG: Instagram | Pinterest | Shop Amazon | You Tube