- CEO Mama
- Posts
- CEO Mama Newsletter: 8th Edition
CEO Mama Newsletter: 8th Edition
2025 is officially here, !
I’ve been savoring these last few days before I return to work tomorrow.
I’m doing absolutely nothing except baking cookies with my daughter, reading books on the couch, sipping my coffee in pjs, and soaking up every single moment of the slowness with my family.
My heart feels SO full. 😭
This time of year can feel so busy and the pressure to be in the “doing energy” is strong – which makes it such an important time to tap into what feels fully aligned for you.
The truth is, duality defines motherhood – it’s a constant thread running through every moment.
This time of year is the perfect example, as you’ve probably experienced the feeling of the holiday break going so slowly - kids home from school for the break, extended visits with family in town, lots of home cooked meals, quiet time away from the computer…
All while simultaneously feeling like you’ve blinked and the holidays are over, New Year’s came + went, and we’re back to the hustle of Q1 planning, school, schedules, and more. 😅
But let’s just say it – sometimes the holiday “break” doesn’t actually feel like much of a break.
Que being completely out of your routine, having to deal with kids being sick, and feeling overstimulated with all the things to do.
Texts in my mama group chat are a mix of feeling so grateful for this precious time with our babies, while also craving to get back to consistency and rhythm.
And that’s because rest is actually found in routine.
So let’s talk about getting back into a routine that nourishes you and that will set you up for a really amazing start to this new year.
Undercover Chaos In Your Nervous System
First, let’s talk about the quiet overwhelm that might have drained your energy.
There’s a layer beneath the holiday magic that can feel like a juggling act of responsibilities that can leave us feeling stretched thin.
You probably decorated the gingerbread houses, stuffed the stockings, cooked every delicious meal, stepped up as the hostess with the mostess - you freaking crushed it in SO many ways (and probably loved every second!)…
But now your nervous system may be throwing up the yellow flags and needing stillness and rest to truly recharge for the new year ahead.
Lots of things can contribute to that feeling of depletion - things like:
Being Out of Routine
Kids thrive on structure, and honestly – so do we. Systems, structure, and routines have personally been a lifesaver for me when it comes to showing up as my best self in motherhood and in my business.
Often the holiday chaos means late bedtimes, irregular meals, and more screen time than usual, leaving everyone feeling a bit dysregulated. When you’re constantly adapting to the lack of structure, it’s no wonder you (+ your kids) feel drained.
Overstimulation & Overextending
The constant noise, gatherings, sugary treats, and clutter can leave your nervous system on high alert. Add in the emotional load of trying so hard to make everything “perfect” and everyone happy, and it can be a recipe for burnout.
Even though you love to host and cherish having everyone cozy around the couch staying up late, you’re starting to crave that quiet stillness where you can reset and recharge at the end of the day in your energy.
Dealing with Kids Being Sick
Every mom knows the drill: one kid catches something, and it makes its way through the entire house.
There’s nothing quite like the helplessness of watching your kids feel unwell and knowing all you can do is support them through it. It’s exhausting – mentally, physically, and emotionally. The sleepless nights, the constant worry, trying to keep the rest of the family healthy, or worse, getting sick yourself – it’s no wonder you feel depleted.
If this was your reality, give yourself permission to recover too. Take the pressure off doing everything right now + focus on replenishing your energy in small, meaningful ways.
The Invisible Labor
The holidays magnify the mental load moms already carry. You’re the one remembering teacher gifts, organizing the family schedule, and making sure every detail of the holiday magic comes together. And while others might say “thank you,” it can feel like no one truly sees how much effort it takes.
New Year Pressure
Right after the holiday rush, we dive straight into the new year – which often comes with this unspoken pressure: to hit the ground running, to set ambitious goals, to dive headfirst into routines that signal we’ve got it all together.
But motherhood rarely follows that script.
The truth is, rushing to “start strong” can feel like adding another layer of expectation to an already full plate. And here’s what I want you to hear: you don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
There’s power in starting slow, in letting the energy of the year build organically rather than forcing yourself to meet an arbitrary timeline.
Know that if any of the above feels like your current reality, you are SO not alone. We see you in it.
So today let’s take a collective pause to get back into a routine that actually creates the space for true rest and recovery.
Rest Happens In Routine
The return to routine may not feel glamorous, but it’s where everything begins to settle. In motherhood especially, routine isn’t just about structure – it’s about reclaiming steadiness so we can create a calm environment for our kids and families to thrive.
Here’s why it matters:
Routine Calms the Nervous System
Even the best of us can find ourselves constantly reacting to things – from managing meltdowns, adapting to changes, and working through a seemingly endless list of needs. The holidays amplify this, leaving the nervous system stuck in high alert.
Routine is your body’s antidote. Predictability signals safety to your brain and allows you to shift from survival mode into a state of calm.
Kids Thrive on Structure
Let’s be real – when kids are dysregulated, the whole house feels it. The holiday season has a way of throwing everyone out of sync with their regular routine. It’s probably the mix of late nights, travel, sugary treats, and overstimulation that forces us to be flexible and throw our schedules to the wayside.
Routine is like a reset button for your family. It brings back consistency, which helps create security for everyone.
When kids know what to expect, meltdowns decrease, transitions become smoother, and the energy in your home shifts toward peace.
I’m fully here for this!! ☝️
Routine Creates Spaciousness
Even though routine and structure may feel limiting, it actually creates so much spaciousness to pour into yourself + prioritize the things that matter to you feeling your best. The return to routine carves out moments of stillness and creates space where you can reconnect with yourself.
Even the smallest rituals, like a few quiet minutes before the kids wake up in the morning or a mid-afternoon nature walk, can feel restorative and will pour into your cup.
Routine isn’t about perfection. It’s not about rigid schedules or expecting every day to run exactly the same.
It’s about creating a rhythm that helps you feel calm, grounded, and allows your family to thrive.
Routines don’t just make life easier, they can actually transform your brain.
Research from the University of California shows that predictable daily habits reduce decision fatigue + free up your cognitive energy. This means you have more mental capacity to focus on the moments that matter in motherhood – which we all could use more of.
Things like starting your day with a ritual like taking three deep breaths before the kids wake up, enjoying your boujee coffee in silence for five minutes, or writing down three intentions for the day will literally change the game for how you feel.
Questions to ask yourself:
What feels nourishing for me right now?
When do I feel my absolute best + happiest?
What’s draining my energy right now?
My cup feels full when ____________.
Give yourself the time and space to sit in the inquiry of these questions and see what comes up for you so you can incorporate them into your daily, non-negotiable routine.
When you prioritize what matters most, everything will change for the better + you’ll have even more energy to pour into motherhood, your family, and yourself.
I always start the year by getting crystal clear on what’s in vs out for me, so I know what to prioritize and what to let go of.
Here’s some things from my list in case it inspires you to create your own:
2025 Ins:
Saying “no” without guilt
Taking midweek breaks because I can
Surrounding myself with people who inspire + support me
Carving out time for my self-care, unapologetically
Being fully present with my family
2025 Outs:
Saying “yes” to things to be liked
Rushing, moving too quickly, or trying to do it all
Thinking I have to do it all alone
Spending time worrying or feeling anxious about things that haven’t happened yet
This practice is the perfect addition to your routine, as it helps you down-regulate your nervous system + shift into calm. It’s perfect for those moments of feeling overstimulated or just needing a two-minute reset.
The 4-7-8 Breath:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts.
Hold your breath for 7 counts.
Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth for 8 counts.
Repeat this pattern 3-4 times.
It’s so simple, yet so profound. And honestly feels amazing!
Use it whenever you can create a quiet moment and you’ll instantly feel a wave of calm - it’s just the thing we need sometimes. 🥰
"Some days, it feels like time is playing tricks on me. Everything is moving so fast and so slow all at once.
The days can feel never-ending. Someone always needs something, the house is a mess, + I’m constantly bouncing between snacks, laundry, and tantrums. But then, in the middle of all that chaos, I’ll notice something that stops me in my tracks.
My toddler’s baby cheeks are gone, my oldest tied her shoes without even asking for help, and my baby, who I swear was just learning to crawl, is suddenly running around the house. 🥹
And I’m hit with this strange mix of emotions. I’m so happy watching them grow, seeing who they’re becoming, and feeling proud of the life we’re building together.
But at the same time, it breaks my heart. The tiny moments I used to wish away — like rocking them to sleep for hours or reading the same book over + over again, are now the ones I find myself longing for.
Motherhood feels like holding joy and grief in the same breath. I’m learning to just let it be what it is…to love the chaos and cherish the quiet moments when they come."
-Anonymous Reader Submission
If the holiday break didn’t feel like a break, that’s okay. You’re not behind, and you’re not failing. Routines will return, the chaos will settle, and you’ll find your rhythm again.
For now, give yourself permission to ease in. Rest doesn’t have to come from a grand gesture – it can come from the quiet stability of small, intentional moments.
You’ve got this, Mama. 💛
XO,
Natalie
The CEO Mama Membership is starting next week on January 13th, and we only have a handful of founding spots left. Do you want one of the last ones?!
It’s crafted for entrepreneurial mamas, giving you the tools to build a business that aligns with your life, connect with a network of ambitious moms who truly understand your journey, and create a sense of harmony between your family, work, and self-care.