Self-Care

Ep 203. Sustainable Wellness Habits for Busy Mamas Juggling it All

I'm Ashley!

My mission at The Purpose Gathering is to help driven momtogs like you level up, so you can build a sustainable business AND a fulfilling family life. I do that through authentic brand photography and my signature program for mompreneurs: The Efficient Mompreneur.

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Have you ever felt like taking care of yourself always comes last on your to-do list?

Between running a business, homeschooling, and keeping up with family life, wellness can feel like an impossible goal.

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Many mompreneurs struggle with finding a sustainable wellness routine. That’s why I invited Lauren Gary, a nurse practitioner turned wellness consultant, to share how moms can prioritize their health—even with a full plate.

From Traditional Healthcare to Holistic Wellness

Lauren spent years working in primary care, helping women navigate weight loss, fatigue, and anxiety. Time and time again, she saw women struggle with the same problems, only to be told their labs looked “normal.”

The problem? Traditional healthcare often overlooks the root cause of burnout and weight struggles—lifestyle, stress, and mindset.

Lauren knew there had to be a better way. That’s why she launched her own holistic weight loss practice in 2023, helping women break free from the all-or-nothing mentality and create wellness habits that actually fit their lives.

Why Mompreneurs Struggle with Wellness

Entrepreneurship and motherhood require constant energy, but many moms find themselves running on empty. The biggest roadblocks Lauren sees include:

  • All-or-Nothing Thinking: Feeling like you have to go all in on a program—or do nothing at all.
  • Lack of Time: Believing that wellness requires long workouts and strict meal plans.
  • Overwhelm and Stress: Running on autopilot and putting everyone else first.
  • Feeling Unworthy: Taking care of everyone but forgetting to prioritize yourself.

The Shift from Perfection to Consistency

Lauren believes that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Here’s how to make it work:

  • Define a Schedule That Works for You – Wellness doesn’t have to mean hour-long gym sessions. Start with 5-minute walks, stretching, or quick movement breaks.
  • Let Go of Perfection – Your routine won’t always be flawless. Small, consistent steps matter more than going all in and burning out.
  • Fuel Your Body Properly – Many moms undereat or don’t get enough protein. Eating balanced meals keeps energy levels stable.
  • Manage Stress Before It Manages You – Stress impacts weight and overall health more than we realize. Simple check-ins throughout the day can help you reset.
  • Regulate Your Nervous System – Practices like deep breathing, morning sunlight exposure, and movement can shift your body out of fight-or-flight mode.
  • Get Support – Trying to figure it all out alone leads to frustration. Having a coach or accountability partner makes all the difference.

The Missing Link: Stress and the Nervous System

One of the biggest wellness game-changers?

Nervous system regulation.

Many moms feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode, constantly overwhelmed and exhausted. When stress is high, our bodies hold onto weight, disrupt sleep, and crave sugar for quick energy.

Lauren shares simple ways to reset your nervous system:

  • Take a few deep breaths and engage your five senses.
  • Step outside for five minutes of sunlight each morning.
  • Go for a short walk to break up stressful moments.
  • Limit notifications and reduce digital overwhelm.
  • Schedule small pauses throughout your day to check in with yourself.

The goal? Help your body feel safe, supported, and balanced.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Lauren’s approach is all about sustainability. Instead of jumping into an extreme program, she helps women make gradual changes that fit their lifestyles—so they don’t have to “start over” every few months.

Her biggest mindset shift?

Wellness isn’t about restriction. It’s about learning to listen to your body and making small choices that add up over time.

Where to Start

If you’re feeling stuck, start here:

  • Take a moment to pause and check in with yourself.
  • Add a short walk, even if it’s just to the mailbox.
  • Set reminders to eat nourishing meals.
  • Prioritize sleep and stress management as much as nutrition and exercise.

Join the Conversation

This is just the beginning! If you want to dive deeper, tune in to this week’s podcast episode where Lauren breaks down:

  • The biggest mindset blocks holding moms back from consistent wellness.
  • How to shift out of the all-or-nothing mentality.
  • Simple nervous system regulation techniques.
  • How stress and hormones impact weight loss.
  • Practical steps to create a wellness plan that actually works.

A Personal Invitation to TPG Live 2025

If you’re ready to balance motherhood, business, and wellness in a way that actually works, I want to personally invite you to The Purpose Gathering Live 2025—a two-day, faith-based event for Christian mom business owners.

At this event, we’ll dive into:

  • Faith-based business strategies that don’t lead to burnout.
  • A supportive community of like-minded mompreneurs.
  • Actionable wellness insights to help you feel your best while running your business.

Join us in-person or virtually to gain real transformation in your business and life.

Grab your in-person ticket here
Join us via livestream here

Quotes to Note:

“Wellness isn’t about restriction. It’s about learning to listen to your body and making small choices that add up over time.” – Lauren Gary

“We think it’s all or nothing, but consistency is where real transformation happens.” – Lauren Gary

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.” – Lauren Gary

“Stress impacts your health more than you realize. Learning to regulate your nervous system can change everything.” – Lauren Gary

Special Thanks to Our TPG Live 2025 Sponsor: Lauren Gary

We’re incredibly grateful to have Lauren Gary as one of our sponsors for TPG Live 2025!

Lauren is a nurse practitioner, wellness consultant, and holistic health advocate dedicated to helping busy moms create sustainable wellness habits. After years in traditional healthcare, she saw firsthand how many women struggle with weight, energy, and stress—without getting real answers. Now, through her holistic weight loss practice, Lauren helps moms move past burnout, regulate their nervous systems, and find balance in both health and life.

Connect with Lauren:

A huge thank you to Lauren for her support and for empowering mompreneurs to prioritize their health while building thriving businesses. We’re honored to have her as part of this incredible event!

Thank you for spending part of your day with me. I hope this conversation with Lauren Gary has encouraged and equipped you to take small, sustainable steps toward prioritizing your wellness—without the overwhelm.

Remember, mama, you don’t have to do this alone. Balancing motherhood, business, and your health is possible, and there’s a community here to support you every step of the way.

I’m here rooting for you. Keep showing up, keep taking small steps, and keep trusting that you are exactly where you need to be.

Complimentary Episodes:

  1. Ep 184. Navigating the All In or Burn it Down Mentality
  2. Ep 147. ​​Making Self-Care a Reality in Your Life
  3. Ep 65. Creative Unconventional Self-Care Ideas
  4. Ep 38. 5 Steps to Make Self-Care a Priority
  5. Browse All Self-care Related Episodes

Resources:

  1. The Purpose Gathering Live In-Person Event – A transformative two-day experience for women ready to trade worldly hustle for Kingdom impact, where you’ll learn to infuse God’s wisdom into every area of life and discover sustainable success His way
  2. The Purpose Gathering Livestream – Can’t make it in person? Join us virtually and experience the event from anywhere!
  3. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community
  4. Need support managing your time well and creating systems to streamline your business? Join the Organized CEO Bootcamp (6 Week Group Program)
  5. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)
  6. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here

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My mission is to help fellow mom business owners experience success in business and in motherhood. As an Arizona brand photographer for mompreneurs, I’m passionate about capturing authentic images that show off my clients’ unique personalities so they can connect with their ideal clients. And as an online business coach for mompreneurs, I LIVE for helping mamas experience incredible transformations that help them build a business they love, without sacrificing their precious time with their littles.

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