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.

Struggling with poor sleep, low energy, or feeling “off” no matter what you eat or how much you exercise? In this episode of Thrive at 40+, I share my personal journey from sleepless nights and constant fatigue to deep, restorative rest — and how that transformed my hormones, skin, weight, mood, and long-term health.

You’ll learn why sleep is especially important for women over 40, how it impacts metabolism, emotional resilience, and beauty, and the exact evening routine I use to fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed.

If you’ve been searching for how to sleep better, evening routines for women, bedtime rituals, natural ways to improve sleep, fix insomnia, melatonin tips, lavender for relaxation, blackout curtains benefits, or how to wake up with more energy — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Thrive at 40+, I explore why so many of us — especially women over 40 — care so much about what others think of us. From social media pressure to cultural expectations, I share my own vulnerable story and practical steps to break free from fear of judgment. Learn how to stop people-pleasing, embrace self-confidence, and live authentically without seeking constant approval.

What if the confident, grown-up woman you are… still feels like a teenager inside?

In this episode, I talk about the surprising moments when I shrink back into my younger self — and how I gently bring myself back.

This is a story about impostor syndrome, people-pleasing, healing the inner child, and learning to feel like an adult woman in your own life.

Hi, I’m Anastasia.

I was born in the USSR and raised to be a good girl — quiet, helpful, and always striving.

And then I spent my entire adult life in Helsinki, learning how to become my own woman.

Now, as I approach 40, I realize I’ve been doing things differently. Softer. Slower. Kinder. This podcast is a reflection of that shift.

Thrive at 40+ is for women from all over the world who are done with proving and ready to start living — on their own terms.

Every episode is a personal story, an honest insight, or a quiet reminder that you don’t have to hustle to be whole.

Because turning 40 isn’t the beginning of decline — it’s the beginning of coming home to yourself.