Have you ever thought, “I don’t even know what would be restorative right now”? You’re not alone. In fact, nearly 60% of women report spending no time on self-care most days, leaving them depleted and unsure how to fill their own tank.

In this episode 155 of Medium Lady Talks, I share a practical way to bridge the gap between knowing you’re exhausted and actually choosing something restorative. Building on Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s 7 Types of Rest, I introduce my simplified BEMS framework, four buckets you can reach for when you’re too tired to think clearly:

• Body (hydrate, stretch, nap, walk)

• Emotions (cry, laugh, connect with someone safe)

• Mind (phone break, music, doodle, brain dump)

• Senses (dim the lights, light a candle, step outside)

You’ll hear why decision fatigue makes it so hard to choose rest, what the latest research tells us about the decline in maternal mental health, and how invisible labor and overstimulation drain us daily. (For reference, here’s the JAMA study I mention: Trends and Disparities in Maternal Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health, 2016–2023).

If you’ve been feeling flat, frazzled, or unsure how to restore yourself, this episode will give you a gentle place to start — one tiny action at a time.

✨ Bonus: Patreon subscribers can download the printable Restorative Cheat Sheet that turns this framework into an easy everyday tool - will be Published on Tuesday Sept 30

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Other Related Episodes (for your enjoyment):

• Ep 144: Sacred Rest & Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
  
• Ep 145: Are You Proud of Being Tired?
  
• Ep 146: When My Eye Stops Twitching
  
• Ep 147: The Toxic To-Do List

Medium Lady Reads Episode 43 - Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @medium.lady
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• Email: [email protected]
• Explore more book-related content on "Medium Lady Reads." - link to Spotify
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