Take A Mental Load Off

TakeAMentalLoadOff
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Social Media emphasizes partners sharing the mental load, but for military spouses, first responder spouses, or single mothers this isn’t always an option. We get the opportunity and challenge to decrease our OWN mental load. And if we’re lucky we have support from friends, family, your network and our own damn selves. Join us as we share personal triumphs and failures, finding our way together in taking a mental load off.

  1. 11/10/2025

    Create a Self-Care Diet That Fills You Up

    Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Shauna & Rachel open up about the often misunderstood topic of self-care, especially in the context of motherhood. Inspired by a group text with Shauna's close friends and neighbors, we dive deep into the guilt that so many women feel when prioritizing their emotional, mental, and physical needs. With personal stories, honest reflections, and science-backed insights, this episode unpacks what self-care truly looks like and why it's not a luxury — it's a necessity. Together we challenge the idea that self-care has to be extravagant or time-consuming. We also explore how small daily actions can refill your emotional cup. Plus, we talk about oxytocin, dopamine, and how our brains are wired to seek balance, even if it means mindless scrolling. This one is full of "aha!" moments and practical wisdom for every mom who’s ever felt guilty for needing a break. Timeline Summary: [1:33] - The surprising self-care struggle most moms face and why we can't talk about it enough [4:18] - Reframing physical, emotional, and mental needs as equally essential [9:07] - Small boundaries that reduce stress and why they matter (yes, even water bottles!) [13:55] - How connection, not just solitude, fuels recovery and lowers stress [19:22] - What your scrolling habit might really be telling you [24:36] - The science of oxytocin and how to add more of it to your day [28:50] - You can’t live on dessert: what real, sustainable self-care looks like Closing Thoughts: If this episode helped you rethink self-care and let go of the guilt, we'd love for you to share it with a friend who needs to hear it too. Thank you so much for spending part of your day with us. It would mean a lot to us if you followed the show, rated it, or left a comment. We're on a mission to lift up as many women as possible so they no longer feel stuck in survival mode, and we're honored to have you here. :)

    33 min

  2. 11/03/2025

    A Whole Lot Can Change During a Break…

    We're Back! Season 2 Kickoff + Life Lately Catch-Up We’re back, friends! After an unplanned (but very needed) break, we’re so excited to be jumping into Season 2. In this catch-up episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of where we’ve been, what’s been going on in our lives, and why hitting pause was actually the healthiest thing we could’ve done—for ourselves, our families, and this podcast. From quiet celebrations and major life shifts to slow summers, big feelings, family news, and homeschool chaos—we’re covering it all. We’re sharing real, honest updates about divorce, parenting, new rhythms, pregnancy complications, career changes, and even a cat obsession that may or may not be driving us up the wall. It’s raw, lighthearted, emotional, and full of the good stuff that comes with growth. Timeline Summary: [0:35] - Why we took a break and learning to practice what we preach [2:10] - Navigating divorce, burnout, and the power of pausing [3:48] - Graduation celebrations and making space for big transitions [5:24] - Slower summer rhythms and processing deep emotions [7:02] - Family trips, Disney magic, and announcing a new baby on the way [9:20] - Pregnancy complications, irritable uterus woes, and adapting to new limitations [12:12] - Homeschool chaos, cat obsessions, and looking ahead to Season 2 Closing Thoughts: Thanks for sticking with us. We’re so thrilled to kick off Season 2 and can’t wait to bring you more conversations, stories, and guests in the coming weeks. If you loved this episode (or just missed us a little), don’t forget to follow, rate, share, and leave us a review. See you next week!

    16 min

  3. 05/12/2025

    Connection Over Perfection-Every Time

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the unexpected power of service—how showing up for others can be grounding, energizing, and deeply fulfilling, even when life feels overwhelming. From hilarious mishaps to heartfelt moments, we share personal stories that highlight why meaningful service starts with observation, connection, and the courage to both give and receive. Timeline Summary: [1:15] - The joy and awkwardness of being served—and why we often resist it [4:38] - That time my neighbor did my laundry... yes, even the underwear drawer [7:12] - How serving others can energize us instead of drain us [11:05] - The emotional reset that comes from showing up for someone in pain [17:43] - Why true service is 90% observation and listening [23:26] - The everyday miracles of being supported during a crisis [29:18] - Teaching my kids that service is uncomfortable—and beautiful [34:55] - Reframing service as connection, not performance Closing Remarks: If this episode made you laugh, cry, or reflect on the power of showing up, would you do us a favor? Rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And hey, maybe share it with someone who’s always there for you. Because when we share stories like these, we build community—and that’s what it’s all about.

    40 min

  4. 04/29/2025

    Good Moms Don’t Solve Every Problem

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Rachel and Shauna talk about a major mindset shift around letting go of the need to "judge" or control everything. Whether it's kids fighting, work stress, or imaginary deadlines we put on ourselves, we explore how stepping back can actually create more peace, connection, and personal growth. We also share real examples from our own lives, including parenting moments, professional challenges, and daily mental battles, and why choosing curiosity over control is so freeing. Timeline Summary: [1:12] - Shauna notices how often she unnecessarily steps in to "fix" her kids' conflicts [5:44] - Rachel shares a story about trusting her child’s ability to assess his own safety [10:30] - Why we don’t need to give kids a list of ideas when they say they're bored [14:25] - Shauna opens up about the burnout of trying to protect others from "bad" interpreters [18:02] - How trying to change someone’s opinion drains energy and creates resentment [21:30] - Practical ways we’re shifting from obligation to choice in everyday parenting Closing Remark: Thanks for listening! If today’s episode helped shift your mindset even a little, please take a second to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. It really helps us keep these conversations going. See you next time!

    27 min

  5. 04/21/2025

    Understanding The Invisible Mental Load: One Sheet of Paper at a Time

    Today Shauna is sharing a conversation she had with her 9-year-old that helped her explain what the mental load of motherhood really feels like—and how something that seems small can actually be a lot when it’s stacked on top of everything else. From prepping for church to managing her jam-packed family calendar, she opens up about the invisible work that often goes unnoticed and how we’re learning to communicate better as a family. We also talk about a recent miscommunication with Colby that turned into an important moment of growth for both of them—and a reminder that taking something off our plate isn’t as simple as it might look. If you’ve ever felt like everyone’s “shortcut,” this episode will hit home. Episode Highlights [1:12] - Explaining the mental load with a stack-of-paper analogy [4:50] - The invisible to-do list running through my brain on a typical Sunday [9:03] - Teaching kids to help without adding more to my plate [14:15] - How we’ve evolved our family calendar (and why I love the Skylight) [18:47] - The “just tell me” moment with Colby that led to a deeper convo [24:10] - Why being everyone’s go-to resource can feel more draining than helpful [28:35] - Lightening the mental load vs. stretching your capacity Links & Resources Skylight Calendar – Shauna's favorite family tool for syncing schedules, chores, and more If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review! Your support helps the podcast reach more moms (and dads!) doing the invisible work every day.

    34 min

  6. 04/15/2025

    Lying Is a Milestone, Not a Mistake

    In this episode, we are sharing some of our favorite tools and strategies for building trust, responsibility, and emotional resilience in our kids—without shame or labels. From how Shauna uses her Skylight Calendar to manage chores and rewards, to navigating honesty, sneaky behavior, and those classic “he said, she said” moments, we're getting real about what’s working (and what definitely hasn’t). We’ll also dig into how lying is actually a developmental milestone (yep, for real), and how to have meaningful, shame-free conversations that build connection and long-term character. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids be more honest, while keeping the peace at home, this one’s for you. ⏱️ Episode Highlights [2:05] - Why we love the Skylight Calendar for family organization and chore tracking [6:40] - How our kids earn, spend, and (accidentally) hack their star rewards [11:55] - Lessons learned from sneaky behavior and “resetting” the system with consequences [17:10] - Why lying isn’t bad—it’s actually part of healthy brain development [23:20] - Tools we use to build trust, including our cotton ball trust jars [30:45] - How to call out behavior without shaming or labeling kids [38:10] - Finding everyday teachable moments and modeling emotional resilience If this episode made you think—or laugh—please follow, rate, and share it with a friend. Your support helps the show grow and helps more parents feel empowered in the messy middle of raising good humans. 💛

    48 min

  7. 04/07/2025

    Beyond the Surface: Capacity, Comparison, and Compassion

    In this episode, Shauna opens up about a recent experience that challenged the way she thinks about grief, emotional capacity, and the constant comparison we all fall into. From a funeral that stirred unexpected emotions to a family trip that left Rachel feeling “less than,” we share how we're learning to validate our feelings and recognize that capacity is personal—and always shifting. If you’ve ever told yourself you “shouldn’t” feel a certain way, or felt guilt over not being able to do more, this episode is your reminder that pain doesn’t need to be ranked, and you don’t need to earn rest or compassion. Your experience is enough. 🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps: [1:02] – Feeling unexpected grief and questioning if it’s valid [4:31] – The broken leg vs. sprained ankle analogy: pain is still pain [8:18] – How our max capacity changes over time [13:04] – A science experiment that explains emotional flexibility [18:41] – Why trip planning guilt hit me harder than expected [24:09] – Realizing we all have different strengths and comfort zones [28:43] – Final thoughts: comparison steals joy—check in with you, not them If this episode hit home, I’d love it if you rated, followed, shared, or left a review. It really helps others find the show—and I so appreciate your support. 💛

    35 min

  8. 03/31/2025

    Letting Go of the Mom I Used to Be

    This week, Rachel hit her first hard pass as a mom: playing Pokémon. Yep, she's officially found the one thing her kids are obsessed with that she just cannot get behind—and she's letting herself be okay with that. In this episode, we share why this moment hit deeper than expected and how it’s opened up a conversation about identity, motherhood, and the tricky transition of letting go. ⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights [1:05] – Why Pokémon is my personal nightmare (and my parenting boundary) [4:12] – When your kid’s interest doesn’t align with yours—and what to do about it [7:58] – A quick look at child development stages and why space might be good [12:30] – Grieving the shift from being their everything to stepping back [17:44] – The identity crisis of being a “solo supermom” when that’s no longer the case [22:19] – Learning to enjoy the free time—and let it reshape who I am   Enjoyed this episode? If this one hit home, we’d love for you to follow, rate, and leave a quick review. And hey—send it to another parent who might need permission to not care about Pokémon today. 😉

    29 min
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About

Social Media emphasizes partners sharing the mental load, but for military spouses, first responder spouses, or single mothers this isn’t always an option. We get the opportunity and challenge to decrease our OWN mental load. And if we’re lucky we have support from friends, family, your network and our own damn selves. Join us as we share personal triumphs and failures, finding our way together in taking a mental load off.

Information

  • Creator
    TakeAMentalLoadOff
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Take A Mental Load Off