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: