If I told you I had the magic pill to help you sleep better, hurt less, have more energy, and protect your brain- would you be interested? Well, today, I’m going to give the prescription to get this magical cure for almost everything that ails you.  I'll share compelling research that demonstrates the substantial benefits of exercise for managing chronic conditions, boosting brain function, and improving mental health. This conversation is an invitation to acknowledge the often underappreciated link between increased sedentary lifestyles and the rise in mental health concerns, and to consider movement as a powerful tool in preventing disease and fostering overall well-being for all ages. We will talk about how to plan for movement, prepare for obstacles and get ready to make moving your body a regular way you show love to your body. I hope you’ll join me!If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

You know what the perfect Valentine is that every person is just dying to receive. It's an I love you from ME to ME. Wait, did you think I was going to say I love you from YOU to ME?   Well, in today’s podcast episode, we're talking about the gift of love that only we can give to ourselves. Every day, I work with people who need more love in their life. One thing I've found is that there's a special kind of love that we all need, and it doesn't matter if we have a lot of other people in our lives or not. Without this love, we still feel a kind of painful loneliness that's hard to get rid of. Of course, we are talking about self love.Whether you feel full of self-love or you feel rather empty, you are the only one who fillyour love tank throughout your life, and most of us just aren't very good at that. Sotoday we’re talking about how to love yourself more- and the surprising littlesteps that can take you a long way to getting more of that sweetness in yourlife. If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

In this episode we look at the magic of self-awareness. Even top business leaders are putting a spotlight on self-awareness these days, and we should too as parents. We chat about understanding our own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, observing them without judgment, and recognizing our bodies as emotional indicators. We share tips on nurturing emotional intelligence and the role of mindful awareness in helping us and our kiddos thrive emotionally. From enhancing emotional literacy to the simple yet profound act of jotting down our thoughts, we discuss the invaluable tool of self awareness that help us feel better and build  emotional resilience.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

What does it take to be a resilient mom? This was a question a woman asked me not long ago as we sat together on an airplane flight. The answer is a beautiful overview of what we are doing here as we study resilience together. In this episode, I unfold the five core practices that empower resilient moms, beginning with the transformative power of self-awareness. Understanding our thoughts and emotions isn't just self-improvement; it's about laying the foundation for emotional maturity, which echoes into our children's lives. Through the art of emotional regulation, we're not only fortifying ourselves but also teaching our little ones how to navigate their inner landscapes. Listen in as I discuss how resilient moms embrace their personal power and make intentional choices, especially when faced with life's inevitable hurdles. Resilience is less about flawlessness and more about the continuous practice of nurturing self-trust and joy in the face of adversity. For every mother searching for support and inspiration, this conversation illuminates the path to not just surviving motherhood but thriving within it.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

Ever wonder why a plate full of vibrant veggies can make you feel like a superhero, while a sugar-laden snack leaves you crashing faster than a toddler’s temper tantrum? As a therapist and mom, I've seen firsthand how the dinner table can become a powerful tool for shaping not only our children's health but our emotional resilience as well. This episode peels back the layers of how proper nutrition can be a game-changer for your mood and mental well-being. From the four essential pillars of self-care to the sneaky ways hunger can hijack our happiness, we journey through the landscape of eating with intention and understanding. We'll tap into why a balanced diet isn't just for keeping our waistlines in check, but for fostering a stable and positive mental state. Listen as we discuss the surprising links between food and feelings, and how simple changes in our pantry could lead to profound shifts in our daily emotional climate.  Embrace a love affair with food as we discuss how to foster a positive relationship with eating, using affirmations and self-compassion to guide the way. This journey is about adding joy to your diet rather than restricting it, allowing your body's intuition to lead you to choices that enhance both your physical and mental states. Together, we'll explore how embracing a whole-foods-based lifestyle can be a transformative experience that goes far beyond the plate, with lasting impacts on our emotional resilience and the way we lead our families. Join me, and let's eat our way to a more vibrant, emotionally balanced life.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

As we're learning to set boundaries. We have to make those hard decisions- who we say yes to and who we say no to. In today's episode, we're learning how we can handle disappointing others as we're setting those boundaries and thegenuine struggle that comes with the territory of saying no.  I delve into how commitment and fairness can lead us down a path of overextension, and why the fear of judgment often keeps us trapped in a cycle of pleasing others. We talk about the uncomfortable but essential practice of disappointing others to safeguard your own well-being and how to navigate the intricate dance of managing others' expectations while staying true to ourselves.There are strategies to help you balance your desire to support those around you with the absolute need to honor your personal limits. By the end of our time together, you'll understand that it's not only acceptable to prioritize your needs, but it's also crucial for maintaining healthy and genuine connections.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

Have you ever set a New Year's resolution, only to drop it in just a few weeks? If you have, you're not alone. Today we're talking about setting goals that we care about and that we can reach. We peel back the layers of motivation and look at how shifting our drive from fear to love can create a sustainable path to success. We also talk about the concept of tiered goal setting, a compassionate approach that accommodates the ebb and flow of life. We explore the balance of ideal, realistic, and survival goals, ensuring that even amidst challenges, our actions remain rooted in what we value. This episode isn't just about setting goals; it's about embracing growth and finding joy in our progress!If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

As moms, we're in charge of everything, and when life gets busy, we can just run out of gas. In today's episode, we're talking about ways to put a little gas in our own tanks. This episode is your permission slip to put yourself at the top of your to-do list. Join me as I unpack the "self-care five plan"—my personal game-changer for infusing self-care into the chaos of motherhood. You'll hear how small, consistent acts of nourishment can keep you from hitting empty and ensure you're not just surviving, but thriving amidst the busy-ness of life. Discover the profound difference a mere five minutes can make when you're consciously refueling your spirit, mind, and body. We explore practical tips and techniques to seamlessly integrate self-care into our daily routines. From the simplicity of mindfulness and breathwork to the profound impact of connecting with others, nature, or a higher power, these strategies are more than just a respite; they're a lifeline for preventing burnout.  If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

Ever noticed how your thoughts can sometimes feel like the captain of your ship, steering your emotions and behaviors? It's a universal phenomenon. Negative thoughts, although uncomfortable, are part of our existence, serving as our brain's personal bodyguard. However, it's important to remember that we don't have to believe everything we think.  This week, I’m taking you on a journey to understand and manage those pesky negative thoughts. We'll be dissecting how they influence our emotions and physical well-being. Spoiler alert: they have a significant impact! But fear not! By distinguishing factual thoughts from distorted negative ones and discussing ways to reframe common negative thought patterns, we'll equip ourselves to sail through even the stormiest waters of the mind.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

Do people really have the power to make us miserable? In today's episode, we look  at  the impact expectations have  in our relationships and how our preconceived scripts of how others should behave can lead to disappointment and feelings of being out of control. We discuss the importance of accepting others' differences, setting boundaries and how not to accept harmful behavior from others by setting safety boundaries. Learn how we can break the cycle of negativity by changing our perspective, accepting others as they are, and not taking their actions personally. We can improve our relationships and set boundaries without drama by letting go of our expectations and controlling our happiness. So,  join us on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth as we take back our happiness this holiday season.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com