You Don’t Have to Hold It All Together This Summer In St. Louis

Summer has a reputation: sunshine, popsicles, travel plans, and smiling kids. But if you’re a mom, caregiver, or high-achiever trying to juggle it all, it can also bring a unique kind of pressure—the kind that whispers, “Don’t let anything fall apart.”

And you might find yourself thinking, “Why am I so tired when I’m supposed to be having fun?”

That, my friend, is emotional exhaustion. And if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone.

The Hidden Weight of Summer

For many women, especially moms, summer means doubling the mental load. You’re managing camp schedules, meals, sunscreen battles, and the constant search for a quiet moment (what even is that?). For high-achievers and sensitive souls, there’s often guilt for not doing enough—or for wanting space when you feel you should be enjoying every minute.

Let’s call it what it is: summer burnout is real.

It doesn’t look dramatic. Sometimes it’s just the foggy feeling when you can’t make one more decision. Or snapping at your loved ones and then feeling guilty. Or hearing yourself say, “I’m fine,” when you’re absolutely not.

You Deserve to Soften the Load

You don’t have to carry this summer on your back. You don’t have to hold it all together.

Let’s talk about how to soften the load, one breath at a time:

1. Ground with Breath

The Settling Breath Sequence (takes 2–3 minutes)

This isn’t about deep breathing. It’s about safety and body permission.

a. Find your sit bones.

Sit down. Feel where your body meets the chair. Notice the weight you’re placing there. Let it sink—no need to hold yourself up so tightly.

b. Exhale with sound.

Breathe out through your mouth with a soft “hahhh.” Let your shoulders drop as you exhale. Sound helps discharge stress.

c. Orient gently.

Let your eyes wander slowly. Find one thing in the room that feels neutral or comforting. Let your body track that. Notice if something shifts.

d. Touch your chest or belly.

Place a hand over your heart or stomach. Let yourself feel your own warmth. Say to yourself, “I am here. I don’t have to do everything right now.”

It takes 60 seconds, and it tells your nervous system, “Hey—we’re safe. We can breathe again.”

2. Lower the bar (gently)

What if “good enough” actually is good enough? The house doesn’t need to be spotless. The itinerary doesn’t have to be full. You’re allowed to let one ball drop, and the world will keep spinning.

3. Take your own needs seriously

You wouldn’t ignore your child’s cry for comfort—why ignore your own? Emotional burnout doesn’t fix itself. Therapy can be a soft landing where you can exhale, regroup, and feel like you again.

You Can Have Support Without Adding to Your Load

Therapy doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Sometimes just having someone to reflect with, to breathe with, to be with—can be the most important kind of support.

If you’re feeling emotionally stretched or craving space to land, my practice is here to meet you gently and without pressure. Whether you need short-term support or a soft place to begin, we can move at your pace.

Embodied Healing LLC | Therapy for Overwhelmed Women in St. Louis

Let this be the summer where you get to feel held, too.