We’ve all heard the terms ‘mental load’ and ’emotional labor,’ but it’s easy to toss them around without pausing to really understand what’s happening in our minds and bodies when we carry prolonged stress with us in our roles as mothers and household managers. Today Meagan and Sarah look at the different ways stress manifests in our own bodies (and psyches), and offer concrete tips for managing feelings of burnout in a particularly challenging season.

This episode was inspired in part by a recent episode of Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast and an interview with authors Amelia and Emily Nagoski about their new book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.

Sponsor Spotlight: Public Goods

Public Goods is the one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy, household products — from home and personal care to premium pantry staples. For $15 off your first Public Goods order, visit publicgoods.com/momhour or use code MOMHOUR at checkout

Sponsor Spotlight: Apostrophe

Apostrophe is a prescription skincare company that connects you with a dermatologist online who can prescribe you products to meet your skincare goals. Apostrophe offers topical and oral medications that help with skin concerns like breakouts, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and redness. Go to apostrophe.com and use the code MOM at sign up and you’ll get your dermatology visit for only $5!

Sponsor Spotlight: Annie’s Kit Clubs

Annie’s Kit Clubs are a selection of 13 fun crafting subscription boxes. . From woodworking to beading, knitting to card-making, Annie’s has just the project for you. When you join one of Annie’s Kit Clubs, ready-to-go craft kits are mailed straight to your home on a regular basis—no prep work required. Go to THEMOMHOUR.COM/ANNIES to find three special offers for kit clubs we love, including the Creative Girls Club we featured in today’s episode.

Sponsor Spotlight: Notes From The Backpack

Notes From The Backpack is a parenting podcast from National PTA. Each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language. Check out Notes From The Backpack wherever you listen to podcasts, or at notesfromthebackpack.com.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:
How to Get Your Partner to Take on More Emotional Labor (Britni de la Cretaz, New York Times)
Moms Do More Invisible Labor, But It’s Possible to Lighten the Load (Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping)
This episode is inspired by an episode from Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us Podcast, Brené with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle