We’ve all been there – juggling career, household responsibilities, and the emotional well-being of our families, which often peaks in intensity right after 5 PM. With school back in session and routines in full swing, most of us find ourselves facing this stretch of the day with dread. If you’re anything like me, the period between 5 PM and bedtime can feel like a marathon where everyone’s energy reserves are tapped, but there’s still so much to do. Dinner, homework, baths, books, and bedtime—plus, let’s not overlook solo time for yourself or spending quality time with your partner, if it even happens. This period in the day, is coupled with a common aspect of modern motherhood: the maternal mental load. Let’s break down why this time can be so overwhelming and, more importantly, what we can do about it.

I’ve seen firsthand how mom guilt can take a significant toll on a mother’s mental and emotional well-being. The constant self-criticism can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can erode self-esteem and create a sense of inadequacy. Over time, this guilt can strain relationships, lead to burnout, and rob mothers of the joy that should come with parenting. One of the most challenging aspects of mom guilt is that it often goes unspoken. As a mother, you may believe you are alone in feeling this way, which only deepens a sense of isolation and shame. But the truth is, mom guilt is incredibly common, and there are strategies to reduce guilt and increase coping.

When I recommend mindfulness meditation as a tool for managing stress and finding inner peace. I am met with pushback. And I get it… because I felt the same way. The idea of sitting still and quieting my mind felt impossible, especially in the chaos of my own daily life where I was balancing a career, a household, and the endless responsibilities of parenthood. Here’s my story and some practical tips for integrating meditation into a busy parent’s life.

Perfectionism, often celebrated in our achievement-oriented society, sets an unattainable standard that inevitably leads to stress, anxiety, inadequacy and burnout. This brings many to therapy. I see a version of myself in my clients, especially those who describe themselves as high-achieving, type A and perfectionistic. They sit across from me, their faces etched with the exhaustion of trying to meet impossible standards at work, in relationships and within parenting. For as long as I can remember, perfectionism had been an inherent part of who I was. Read more to find out how I recovered from my perfectionism.

Everyone experiences stress. When children encounter stressors, their bodies activate the "fight, flight or freeze" response, triggering a cascade of physiological reactions, which prepares the body to confront or flee from the danger or shut down to protect itself. While this response is crucial for survival, prolonged activation of stress impacts children's physical health and cognitive development. In this blog, you will have a guide to understanding your child’s stress response and where and how stress responses develop.

Our inner dialogues shape our perception of the world and ourselves. Negative self-talk reinforces self-doubt and limitations, acting as a barrier to our full potential. Constant negative self-talk can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, perpetuating a cycle of pessimism and self-doubt. It can also exacerbate stress, fuel perfectionism, and strain our ability to cope with challenges. In contrast, positive self-talk can uplift, motivate, and rewire our brain in empowering ways. This simple practice can yield profound benefits for your mental well-being and cognitive functioning. But how exactly does it work? This blog post dives into the science behind positive self-talk and its transformative effects on the brain.

Most mothers caring for infants have more things to do than hours in a day. Mothers spend almost all of their time and energy taking care of their new baby, leaving little time for chores and other things like washing clothes, grocery shopping, preparing meals, entertaining visitors, writing thank you notes, packing lunches, cleaning the house. 

In the best of circumstances, with support and resources, having a new baby can be a challenge and an adjustment. In circumstances where a mother is experiencing depression or anxiety after childbirth, having a baby can range from a significant stressor to a crisis. There is no right or wrong way to transition into motherhood, but there is always a transition. Try to let go of perfectionist tendencies and know that you are doing the best you can, and that is just fine! Here are 9 things you can try to make your life easier.

Did you know that 79% of us struggle with stress? It's undeniable, learning how to manage stress is a crucial skill in today's world.

In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about stress management.

Individuals suffering from anxiety describe it as a constant burden they are forced to carry with them. Anxiety can feel like an invasion of intrusive thoughts and a  racing heart. Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, chronic worry, social phobia, postpartum anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder, are difficult to overcome. Therapy can help reduce anxiety symptoms by identifying anxiety-based triggers and increasing coping skills.