HHS Episode 1: The Mental Offload with Shawna Samuel

Total Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman

Ever feel like you’re constantly bombarded by societal expectations and pressures, especially as a woman? Well, you’re not alone.

I recently had an eye-opening chat with Shawna Samuel, the founder of Mental Offload, and we dove into this hot topic, exploring how imperative it is to subtract these pressures to reclaim our time and energy. Shawna’s insights on shedding the perennial need to please others, to make space for self-care and personal growth, are just the wake-up call we all need.

Navigating the labyrinth of household chores and responsibilities often brings its own set of challenges. The talk with Shawna brought to light the concept of weaponized incompetence, and how it’s often entwined with maternal gatekeeping. These patterns can strain relationships, but more importantly, they can impact our ability to trust and allow space for our partners to learn. We dug into how we can shift these dynamics and embrace a more balanced, equitable approach at home.

Finally, we took a hard look at the mental load that women, particularly women of color, carry. This emotional and mental burden is often underappreciated, yet it can steal precious time from self-improvement and skill-building. Shawna shared practical advice on how to offload this mental load, making decisions about travel, childcare, and self-care that put you first.

Listen in and discover how to challenge societal norms, advocate for your personal space, and set the path for a life that’s balanced and fulfilling.

About Shawna Samuel

Shawna is an executive leadership & productivity coach for women and the host of The Mental Offload podcast. She’s the founder of The Mental Offload, which specializes in helping women balance demanding jobs and busy family lives, without losing their minds. Shawna has led teams across 20 global markets in her professional life and holds an MBA from Yale in addition to Advanced Certification in Feminist Coaching. She lives with her husband and 2 children in Paris.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/hhs-1