Elizabeth Cohen, a clinical psychologist


and director of the Center for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in New York City (CenterForCBTInNYC.com), says that a shock to the nervous system can only be released with the acknowledgement that the trauma is being experienced in the first place. “Having an understanding of how you’re responding to this stress and uncertainty is key to moving through it. Even going back to the office aſter so long may trigger a panic attack if the trauma of the past two years isn’t addressed,” she says. “Mothers need to practice compassionate awareness for themselves and what they’ve gone through. Tey need to be seen, heard and witnessed in the same way their children are.” Cohen advises that while part of


a mother’s job is to make kids feel emotionally safe, it’s not as effective if they are themselves depleted. She recommends adopting simple, actionable practices throughout the day to help restore and reset the mind and body, suggesting, “Put some Epsom salt in the bottom of the tub and allow your feet to soak for a few minutes during a shower. Before brushing your teeth, take three deep breaths and pay attention to where you might be feeling tension in your body. Keep a gratitude journal handy to reflect and record your observations and interactions.” She advises us to remember that we


have all had different experiences of this trauma, and nobody is the same as they were in 2019. “It’s okay to tell a friend, ‘I’m excited to see you and also, I’m uncomfortable not wearing a mask.’ We’ve also had to be more selective about who we spend time with, and that has allowed us to foster more nurturing relationships,” she says. “Be more discerning about who you spend time with, instead of saying yes to every invitation to get coffee. It’s okay to do less, and making authentic decisions in the moment will help you truly feel aligned with your thoughts and actions.”


Joint Healing Claire Zulkey, a Chicago-based writer and mother of two young boys, has found creative ways to stay connected with other mothers and not feel so isolated. She pens


22 Central Florida www.NACFL.com


a newsletter, Evil Witches (EvilWitches. substack.com), which gives her a platform to share stories of everyday motherhood triumphs and concerns. Topics have included perimenopause, end-of-life options for the family pet, finding the best hand lotion and other subjects that mothers in her circle think about. She also maintains a Facebook group of


100-plus mothers, providing a safe place for members to commiserate and support each other. “Te group has allowed me to really get to know mothers in a more intimate way, truly understand what they’re going through and appreciate how much they care about their kids,” says Zulkey. She made a personal decision to


stop drinking a few months into the pandemic, a lifestyle choice that she has maintained for the past year. “While I was not an alcoholic, there were too many times when I would wake up with a hangover or get into a tipsy argument


with my husband. I quickly learned to appreciate how much easier parenting is when I’m in a stable mood, and the entire household has benefited, especially during the pandemic, when we were in such close quarters,” she says. For all of us, moving forward aſter two


years of collective grief, loss and uncertainty will undoubtedly present new unforeseen challenges, yet maintaining a sense of perspective can help if things start to feel overwhelming. “At the start of the pandemic, I started to feel sorry for myself, but soon I realized that I actually was so much better off than a lot of people. Once I oriented myself with that reality, it was easier for me to move on with a sense of gratitude and desire to help others,” says Zulkey.


Carrie Jackson is an Evanston, IL-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.


SELF-CARE FOR STRESSED-OUT MOMS


For mothers trying to juggle it all, making their own mental health a priority is key. Here are some practical ways busy moms can incorporate their overall wellness into a daily routine.


Set Up Self-Care: Sneaking in breaks throughout the day can have a positive cumulative effect. Follow a guided meditation while waiting for soccer practice, use essential oils in the car, keep a favorite lotion next to the bed or savor a favorite nourishing snack.


Cultivate a Network: Nurturing relationships with supportive peers can provide emotional and social support. Meet a friend for a morning coffee or aſternoon walk, join a book club, host a potluck with other mothers or volunteer with a community group.


Prioritize Terapy: Te right therapist can provide an unbiased and supportive perspective and help process new and lingering issues. Find a practitioner that understands a mom’s unique needs and a modality that resonates with us. Traditional talk therapy works well for some, but be open to exploring other forms, such as movement therapy or art therapy.


Keep Communication Open: Modeling and encouraging dialogue gives kids a safe space to practice sharing and lets everyone feel valued. Find time during car rides, at the dinner table or before bed to check in with the family and share each other’s thoughts.


Take a Class: Learning a new skill can spark creativity and help build a social network. Try a pottery workshop, join a dance club, take a photography class or study a foreign language just for fun.


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