The Therapy Edit (Anna Mathur)

Someone will always have it harder, more challenging, sadder than you. But what happens when we compare our feelings and experiences?

Thoughts on what to do when you go through challenging times. How do you deal with the moments you find yourself slipping into old ways of coping?

Ever felt like an imposter in your own life or feared being 'found out'? Here are my thoughts on why we feel this way, and what we can do to about it.

So often we simply don't feel good enough. We feel like we miss the bar, we feel guilty and undeserving of good things in our lives. Here's why you may feel this way, and tips on what to do about it!

It's so common to worry about what others think about us. But exactly how much does this impact our lives and self-esteem? And what can we do about it?

From thoughts of pushing over a stand of mugs in a gift shop, to imagining crashes on the motorway, intrusive thoughts are rarely discussed. We all get them, but do we know why? And what do we do about them?

How to be calm in times of uncertainty. We are experiencing a period of great uncertainty at the moment. I share thoughts on how we can find our feet in this rocky time.

A technique to help you find more calmness and resilience when you're faced with change and challenge.

Is there a person in the world who wouldn't fancy a bit more happiness? Here's how to get more.

What can we do to steady ourselves when all around us is changing? And what might we put in place to support ourselves in any times of change ahead?

We live to the buzz of constant noise, both Inside and outside of our minds. Here's a different insight into boredom as an antidote to stress and overwhelm.

A different view of self-care for you. What place does it have in our understanding of our worth? I tell you how you can re-prioritise this fundamental cornerstone of wellbeing even when you have no spare time.

We all experience anxiety to some extent. In fact, it's an inbuilt mechanism that's there to save our lives! But how can we take control of the thoughts that try so hard to take control of us?

Why do we so often have the feeling we need to be better? In this episode, I explore how the most therapeutic type of growth, is often an undoing.

We often carry guilt around for so much longer than we need to. It impacts our relationships with others and ourselves. Here's how to finally let yourself off the hook and let it go!

Feeling burnt out and exhausted? Here's why you might be feeling a bit floored by life, plus some ways to refuel and regain some energy.

I often think that gratitude should come with a small print, and here's why! Gratitude can shift moods, raise smiles and change lives, but what about all the other feelings that sit in its shadow?

Find self-care a tricky concept to grasp? I have a fresh approach, and I promise, there are no bubble baths in sight.

If you exist at the bottom of the priority list, and find that 'yes' rolls off the tongue a little easily, this episode is for you!

Do you struggle to feel motivated sometimes? You know what you need to do or want to do, but the challenge is actually doing it. I share a tip for motivation that transformed my week and beyond.

If you're constantly on the go, spending all of your energy organising life for those you love, have a listen to this one!

If you feel your shoulders tensing with each opening of the advent calendar doors, you're not alone. Here are five things from my How to Have a Merry Imperfect Christmas guide that will help.

You can buy the bitesize video guide from themothermindway.com. Four ten minute videos to reframe the way you feel about the festivities this year.

Rest is the antidote to overwhelm and stress. But how on earth can we get more of it when we're struggling with the juggle, or nights are broken by kids waking? I've got some ideas!

How can we be more accepting of what we can't control, and take more responsibility for what we can? I often say 'it is what it is', yet a conversation with my Mum gave me a totally different view on the phrase!

Being told 'you've got this' is sometimes exactly what I need. Yet some of the most life-changing moments have happened when I've proclaimed that I haven't 'got this' at all.

Patience isn't a virtue I was granted with, but it's such a vital parenting commodity! Here's how to find more of it for those moments you need it most.

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur interviews Victoria Emes.

Victoria's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents involves chipping away at the shame and silence many feel around the conflicting and difficult emotions that come with parenting.

Warning! This podcast can get a bit fruity at times so we'd recommend using headphones if there are any little ears listening in!

To find out more about Victoria

Visit her website at https://www.victoriaemes.com/
Follow her on Instagram @victoriaemes
Preorder her book 'Welcome to Motherhood, Bitches: The real guide from pregnancy, birth and beyond' (out 17th February 2022) at shorturl.at/fxEM2

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur interviews Alison Perry.

Alison's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents is the magical power of hugs and how they transform those moments as a parent when you just don't know what to do or how to help.

To find out more about Alison:

Visit her website at https://notanothermummyblog.com
Follow her on Instagram @iamalisonperry
Visit her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/iamalisonperry
Order her book OMG It's Twins at: shorturl.at/yACKX

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats to Cat Sims.

Cat's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents is that it’s common that when we have babies, our attention shifts entirely to them and our relationships suffer. Refocus on your relationship as the bedrock to your family

We have marked this episode explicit due to topics discussed or language used.

To find out more about Cat:

Visit her website at https://www.notsosmugnow.com
Follow her on Instagram @notsosmugnow

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur interviews Illy Morrison

Illy's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents is not to compare your emotional responses to things, touching on birth trauma and shame

To find out more about Illy:

Visit her website at https://mixingupmotherhood.com
Follow her on Instagram @mixing.up.motherhood
Preorder her book The Birth Debrief at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1529417015?keywords=the+birth+debrief&qid=1629969186&sr=8-3&linkCode=sl1&tag=birthdebrief-21&linkId=0d8a78f07dc6bd0d25597ae67a4a8f0d&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Clemmie Telford.

Clemmie's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents is if you let your upset/overwhelmed/confused mind settle, your course will become clear.

To find out more about Clemmie:

Visit her website at https://motherofalllists.com
Follow her on Instagram @clemmietelford
Order her book But Why? at https://www.waterstones.com/book/but-why/clemmie-telford//9781472278784

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats to Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, Grief Specialist, the author of 4 best selling books, three on grief and the latest on pregnancy after loss. She's also the CEO of The Mariposa Trust, which is widely known by its primary support division ‘sayinggoodbye.org’

Zoe's one thing is naturally on the subject of grief and she discusses the fact that there is no time limit to it.

To find out more about Zoe :

Follow her on Instagram @zoadelle

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Hollie de Cruz..

Hollie's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents is that when it comes to the process of birth, you always have options and you don't have to do what others do or what you're advised is the normal or best way of doing things.

Hollie is a renowned pregnancy and birth educator, two-time author and podcaster. She is also a mother to two boys, Oscar (11) and Cosmo (3). Hollie’s new platform – Here/Hear – will be a place for expectant and seasoned mothers to learn, grow, and feel supported in coming home to themselves. You can stay up to date with the launch on Instagram at @weare_herehear, or follow Hollie at @theyesmummum.

Mums (including myself) have felt more rage these last couple of years than ever before. I share a rageful moment along with thoughts on what to do about it!

Our focus is often 'doing better' at parenting, or berating ourselves for missing the mark. But what a difference it can make when we start to recognise the moments reminding us how we're doing better than we give ourselves credit for.

Here's why the noise of parenting can sometimes have you wanting to run to a quiet corner! I share my experience and thoughts along with some amazing insight from my ear surgeon friend @earsurgeonjoe

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats to Rhiannon Webster, Nutritional Therapist, Podcaster, Mum and Author.

Rhiannon's one thing she'd like to impart to other parents comes from her professional experience helping people eat and live well. Rhi advises us all to mix it up a bit when it comes to our meals.

To find out more about Rhiannon:

Visit her website at https://rhitrition.com
Follow her on Instagram @rhitrition
Order her brand new The Science of Nutrition here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Nutrition-Debunk-Health-Happiness/dp/0241506468/?maas=maas_adg_BEA58B3DAE014125DD81139433399599_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&geniuslink=true

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Holly Tucker MBE, founder of notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co and the UK Ambassador to Creative Small Businesses.

Holly's one thing that she wants to impart to other parents is that enjoying and focusing on your career is not something that will damage your children. In fact it's quite the opposite.

Holly believes that following your passion and building a business doing what you love is the key to a happy and fulfilled life. Through Holly & Co, a creative content company, Holly is working to positively influence this creative movement by redefining what it means to be a ‘small business’, encouraging more women to start their own businesses, as well as empowering our young with the skills to thrive when entering the new working world.

Bringing colour and creativity to the business world, Holly seeks to advise and inspire anyone who is dreaming of starting or is already on their business journey through her podcast ‘Conversations of Inspiration’, events, a physical shop, and now, her business book, Do What You Love, Love What You Do, which is a Sunday Times Bestseller.

Follow Holly on Instagram at @hollytucker and visit her website at www.holly.co

Buy Holly's book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-What-You-Love-Empowering/dp/B08ZSYLNK8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12BMVN11B119K&keywords=holly+tucker&qid=1642501766&sprefix=holly+tucker%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Steph Douglas,

Steph's one thing that she would like to impart to other parents is that having children puts a unique pressure on a marriage and shares her advice for focussing on family foundations.

Steph Douglas founded thoughtful gift company Don’t Buy Her Flowers in 2014. Prior to running the business, Steph worked in Brand and Marketing and then started a blog, writing honestly about motherhood, relationships and trying to be a grown up while never feeling quite like she knew what she was doing. Posts included ‘When New Mums Get Angry’, ‘With this ring, I give you my dregs’’, and the postnatal ‘Pulling up the Drawbridge’ post that went viral with over 110k views to date. Steph recently launched The Don’t Buy Her Flowers podcast, an evolution of the blog, that enables Steph to find out how other people are coping. Or not.

The idea for Don’t Buy Her Flowers came about when Steph received lots of well-meant bouquets after her first baby, but felt overwhelmed by them and wondered whether there was a more thoughtful gift that offered TLC and encouraged the recipient to take a bit of time for themselves. Seven years on DBHF now has 20+ employees, is in it’s second warehouse (a far cry from Steph packing on her bedroom floor for the first couple of years) and saw huge growth during the pandemic as people looked for thoughtful gifts, allowing them to invest in growth as well as, importantly, increase donations to long-term charity partners including Cancer Research UK and introduce some new ones too.

Steph has three children under twelve, is married to Doug and loves naps, gin and re-watching films she’s seen a hundred times so it doesn’t require her brain.

Follow Steph at @stephdontbuyherflowers and visit the Don't Buy Here Flowers website here https://www.dontbuyherflowers.com

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Lille Farrow,

Lillie's one thing that she'd like to impart to other parents is to trust your gut and allow yourself to grow in confidence as a parent.

Lillie is a talented chef, content creator and mum of three girls. You can take a look at her recipes here http://www.lilliefarrow.com/ and follow her on Instagram at @lilandlife

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Giovanna Fletcher, Sunday Times No 1 Bestselling Author, Founder of Happy Mum Happy Baby and mum of three.

Gi's one thing that she wants to impart to other parents is centred all around how mums can pick and choose what advice they decide to apply to their parenting.

You can follow Giovanna on Instagram at @mrsgifletcher or @happymumhappybaby and browse her books here https://www.giovannafletcher.com/books

This week Gi has also shared some BIG news!

Happy Mum Happy Baby - The Big Get-Together, will be taking place on the 8 & 9th of July in the heart of the City at Old Billingsgate, London. The event will be delivering informative, entertaining, and supportive talks in a fun, relaxed environment from Giovanna Fletcher and friends, sharing first-hand experiences to honest conversations.

Taking place across two days The Big Get-Together embodies the connection and conversation for all stages of the parenting journey from prenatal to toddlers, starting school to the ‘tweenage’ years’. Meditation, anxiety, sleep support to nutrition, behaviour, mealtimes, first aid and returning to work - no topic will be off limits. For more information and tickets visit happymumhappybaby.com

And you may just recognise our Anna Mathur herself amongst the lineup of guest speakers!

So many of us have those things that we just accept about ourselves. Perhaps it's guilt, or worry, or maybe it's the fact you lack confidence. In this episode, I encourage you to want to raise the bar for confidence, happiness and headspace. Plus I have some exciting news to share with you.

All my resources and guides are now ONLY £12 at www.themothermindway.com Thank you for ALL your support that has enabled me to do this

Today I share 5 simple ways to lift your mood, for those moments you feel a bit 'meh'. These small things are all completely free and within grasp. So try them now, or store them away for a grey day.

I share a tip that is really transforming the way I deal with stress and overwhelm. Find a way to change your relationship with stress, and lessen those motherhood outbursts that come in when we turn into a human pressure cookers!

The other day I shared a photo of my freezer drawer, and it sparked some thoughts on comparison! I share them in this episode and give you a hard fact on comparison that I hope will help.

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with the queen of yoga, strength and happiness Hannah Barrett. Hannah shares her experience of burnout and the steps she took to live a slower, healthier and more fulfilled life.

As well as being a busy mum, Hannah shares the incredible benefits of yoga with as many people as possible through her App, live classes, YouTube, Instagram, and my yoga-inspired e-guides and programmes. You can find out all about Hannah here https://www.hannahbarrettyoga.com and follow her on Instagram at @hannahbarrettyoga

You can also now purchase her brand new book, the Amazon #1 Bestseller, Yoga Happy, here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoga-Happy-Practices-Everyday-Strength/dp/1787137678/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1631015771&sr=8-1&tag=linkfire-smarturl-21

In this episode Anna chats to Author, Podcaster and Campaigner, Molly Forbes about how all bodies are good bodies and how we can teach our children to embrace their body regardless of their shape or size.

Molly is the founder and director of The Body Happy Org.

You can follow Molly on Instagram at @mollyjforbes

You can buy her book Body Happy Kids at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Happy-Kids-Unlocking-children/dp/1785043587/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=body+happy+kids&qid=1613053841&s=books&sr=1-1&tag=linkfire-smarturl-21

And find out more about The Body Happy Org and Molly's other work here https://www.bodyhappyorg.com

In this episode Anna chats to Author Clover Stroud on the darker and less discussed side of motherhood that involves frustration, loneliness and rage. She talks about how accepting rather than denying this side of us can be life changing.

Clover is a mum of 5 and a Sunday Times Bestselling author of My Wild and Sleepless Nights, The Wild Other and the recently published The Red of My Blood.

You can follow Clover on Instagram at @cloverstroud
You can purchase all three of Clover's books here https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=clover+stroud&crid=WEGSHFXMTS0A&sprefix=clover+stroud%2Caps%2C108&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn, aka the one and only Scummy Mummies!

The comedic duo's one thing is all about the importance of having a laugh, particular when times are dark or challenging.

The Scummy Mummies are a hit comedic duo now touring the UK with their live shows. They are also hilarious podcasters and authors.
You can follow them on Instagram at @scummymummies and book tickets for their live show here www.scummymummies.com

On this episode of The Therapy Edit's 'One thing', Anna Mathur chats with the kitchen disco queen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Sophie shares her advice to fellow mums to retain a little bit of themselves, just for themselves throughout their parenting journey.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a mum of five (!), talented singer, lover of a kitchen disco, podcaster and now author of her auto biography Spinning Plates.

You can follow Sophie on Instagram at @sophieellisbextor and buy tickets to her Kitchen Disco tour of 2022 here https://sophieellisbextor.net

You can also buy her book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spinning-Plates-Music-Motherhood-Autobiography/dp/1529363780/ref=asc_df_1529363780/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=499348463277&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18077723603641755667&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007154&hvtargid=pla-1188202322544&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

When I feel irritable, my first response has historically been frustration towards myself and self-criticism. Here's a new approach to try next time you feel that wave of irritability come over you.

NEWS! To address this topic, I read you a section of my new book 'The Little Book of Calm for New Mums: Grounding words for the highs, the lows and the moments in between'

I can't wait for you to have it in your hands, whether it's for you or a gift for a friend. You can preorder it here: https://amzn.to/3vf8869

More about my book OUT MAY 26th 2022

The Little Book of Calm for New Mums will share advice and support on issues that new mothers face, from A for Anger, to I for Insomnia, providing an empowering pep talk for those days when new mothers need it most.

Psychotherapist and mother of three, Anna Mathur, will support readers through the rollercoaster of feelings that come with being a new mum and provide expert advice based on her own professional and personal experiences. Whether you need some quick grounding, a note of compassion, or you want to untangle a feeling, flick to a page for a quick, uplifting moment of much-needed support.

I'm not the only one who has walked into a social situation post-pandemic and experienced a fresh wave of anxiety. How comfortable and confident we feel around others is something that can grow in time as we flex our social muscles again! I share 5 tips to help you along the way.

Every month I turn into a different version of myself! I'm quick to snap and tears come easily. I can swing from joy to rage in a single moment. I share five things that really help me navigate the hormonal rollercoaster.

I share a simple thing that has really benefited my relationship with my kids. It's a small but brilliant sentence that I've started saying to them and the impact has been wonderful. I hope you enjoy trying it out too!

This topic was highly requested. The war in Ukraine is prompting feelings of anxiety, helplessness, fear and uncertainty. I share 5 thoughts to help you navigate the emotions that may arise at this time.

In this episode of The Therapy Edit's One Thing, Anna chats to Zoe Blaskey, founder of Motherkind. Zoe's One Thing involves examining the reasons why many (most) Mums find motherhood hard so that we can find more gentleness and understanding for ourselves.

Zoe is a qualified transformational and executive coach specialising in working with parents and the founder of Motherkind, a personal development platform for parents. Zoe has coached hundreds of parents of all backgrounds on how to navigate the huge challenges of modern parenthood.

There is currently a year long waitlist to work with Zoe one on one. Zoe hosts The Motherkind Podcast which is the UK’s number one family podcast on iTunes and has been featured in Red, The Telegraph, Psychologies, Goop, SheerLuxe and Mother&Baby.

Zoe has delivered talks and workshops to some of the UK's leading businesses including Clearscore, BT, Sky and BBC. She has two daughters, and lives with her husband Guy by the sea in Dorset.

You can find out more about Motherkind at www.motherkind.co

And you can follow Zoe on Instagram at @motherkind_zoe

In this episode of One Thing, Anna chats to Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of the incredible clothing brand, Scamp and Dude about how the challenges she has faced in life have led her to really try and be fully present when she is around her children.

Jo is founder and CEO of Scamp & Dude has a long history in the world of fashion and beauty. In October 2015 Jo’s life took a difficult turn when she suffered a brain haemorrhage. She had to leave her children for a lengthy stay in hospital to undergo life threatening brain surgery and it was this moment that inspired Jo to create a brand that helps children feel more secure when apart from their loved ones, and Scamp & Dude was born.

Famous for its superpower infused leopard and lightning bolt loungewear and vibrant designs, Scamp & Dude is a British purpose led fashion brand with a huge heart. Now sold in Liberty!

You can follow Jo on Instagram at @scampanddudejo and follow her business at @scampanddude

You can also see and buy the full range at https://scampanddude.com

On this episode of One Thing, Anna chats with the one and only Fearne Cotton about why she thinks self-judgement is the biggest cause of guilt and worry.

Fearne Cotton is the founder of Happy Place. Happy Place is a destination for all – where difference is celebrated and the extraordinary is discovered. Happy Place is a place to connect. To listen to the most interesting minds on the planet, and engage with the conversation.

To give back and pay it forward. To find the joy in every day – even if for a moment.

You can listen to Happy Place podcasts, buy Fearne's books and learn about upcoming events here https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk

You can also follow Fearne on Instagram at @fearnecotton and @happyplaceofficial

In this episode of The Therapy Edit's One Thing, Anna chats to Olivia Bath, founder of The Women's Vault. Olivia's One Thing relates mother's confidence in the workplace.

At The Women’s Vault, Olivia provides coaching to help women to overcome workplace barriers, including returning to work post maternity leave, progressing into leadership, negotiating flexible work through to confidence and personal brand.

She also provides consulting and training programmes to businesses. Her private and corporate clients include the NHS, Amazon, PwC, and law firms.

Olivia is a mother to three-year-old George, and it was her own experiences of returning to work after maternity leave, to a bigger role at one of Australia’s top 4 banks, and the struggles she faced, that inspired her to start her business. Olivia has a digital course, “Returning to Work and Thriving in the First Year” which will be re-released over the summer.

You can visit The Wome's Vault here
https://www.thewomensvault.com/
Listeners can book a free 15 min taster session with Olivia here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9XqDmKy-XLFZuSSXHoaCPvEHeMS7-J-MhX7eY0tvLwjvCcA/viewform

And you can follow The Women's Vault on Instagram at @TheWomensVault

On this episode of 'One Thing' Anna chats with author Sarah Turner (aka The Unmumsy Mum). Sarah's One Thing is a nugget of wisdom that has helped her numerous times over the years and we're sure will help many other mums too.

Sarah Turner is a Sunday Times Best Selling Author and her latest book, Stepping Up, her first ever novel has recently been released and can be purchased here https://smarturl.it/SteppingUp

You can follow Sarah on Instagram at @theunmumsymum and you can read her blog and find out about her other books and events at http://www.theunmumsymum.co.uk

Prioritising yourself can be something that many mothers find really, really hard. We often tell ourselves that putting ourselves to the bottom of the pile is a demonstration of just how much we love our families.

But it's not so, in fact it's quite the opposite! And in this episode I explain why and also offer 5 tips to help you start to make time for yourself.

I share my advice and tips on how to halt worst case scenario thinking. I explore the reasons why we might tend to jump to the worst case scenario and offer some tools for changing that way of thinking and learning to cross bridges if we come to them.

I share my experience and thoughts on why loneliness is such a commonly experienced feeling in motherhood. Becoming a mother can mean that often we’re rarely alone, so feeling lonely can be confusing and hard to address. I hope sharing my experiences and how I manage the feeling is a helpful for you.

Feeling bored by some of the repetitive and mundane aspects of motherhood doesn't mean you don't love your kids or your role as a mother or that you're failing in any way. It's normal!

I share some tips on how you can cope with feeling bored as a mum.

In this episode Anna chats to journalist Katherine Omerod about how she's taught herself to ring fence time and budget to enjoy time as an adult away from her children and how she's quite certain that everyone benefits from this decision.

Katherine Ormerod is a writer, author and editor. You can follow Katherine on Instagram at @katherine_ormerod

You can buy Katherine's book 'Why Social Media is Ruining Your Life' here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Social-Media-Ruining-Your-Life/dp/B07HHC1ZBZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IWEH9BKIQQ7K&keywords=why+social+media+is+ruining+your+life&qid=1652269559&sprefix=why+soci%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1

You can also pre-order Katherine's new book, Coco Rules, Life and Style According to Coco Chanel here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coco-Rules-Style-according-Chanel/dp/1912785633/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Katherine+Ormerod&qid=1652269569&s=audible&sr=1-1-catcorr

On this episode of "One Thing' Anna chats with early years expert and founder of playHOORAY, Claire Russell. Claire shares her tips and tricks for how we can find inspiration for new and easy ways to play with our children and how we can make it less of a chore and more fun.

Claire Russell is a Mum, author and founder of playHOORAY. playHOORAY! is all about equipping you with the tools to entertain your young children. You do not need a houseful of expensive toys to get the kids playing. It’s amazing what you can create with the items you already have around the house and eagle eye for ‘play potential’.

You can find out more about playHOORAY and shop Claire's resources here https://playhooray.co.uk

And you can follow Claire on Instagram at @play.hooray

In this episode of One Thing, Anna chats with Anna Whitehouse (aka Mother Pukka) on how we've become a split society and what we can do as mothers and citizens to close the gap.

Anna is a presenter on both Heart Radio and Channel 4, a columnist at Grazia and Marie Claire, a podcaster and the author of three books. She also heads up 'Flex Appeal', campaigning for flexible working for all. She is making waves and changing lives and businesses!

You can buy her latest book, co-written with her husband, Matt Farquharson, the Sunday Times Bestseller Underbelly, here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underbelly-Anna-Whitehouse-ebook/dp/B08FLCGRH9/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1YTP7T3TNQPBA&keywords=underbelly&qid=1651670019&sprefix=underbelly%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-8

And you can follow Anna on Instagram at @mother_pukka

In this episode of One Thing, Anna chats to Erica Davies, former fashion editor, stylist and author about the importance of finding your style confidence in the early days of motherhood.

Erica is the author of Leopard is a Neutral which you can buy here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leopard-Neutral-Really-Useful-Style/dp/B08BSSSDRY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EP8Q7K4QHOA6&keywords=leopard+is+a+neutral&qid=1651659585&sprefix=leopard+is+a+neutral+%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1

You can also follow Erica on Instagram at @erica_davies

In this episode of One Thing, Anna chats with Liz Earle about peri-menopause and how the onset of the symptoms caused by a reduction in hormones can take many mothers by surprise.

Liz Earle MBE is a leading British ethical entrepreneur, charity founder, TV presenter and bestselling author. She's also passionate about educating women about the Menopause and how they can manage and live with their symptoms.

You can follow Liz on Instagram at @lizearleme and you can listen to her popular podcast here https://open.spotify.com/show/5YLl0cJmNFUzP6Ow5Uiroo

You can also find out about Liz's other projects and subscribe to her newsletter at https://lizearlewellbeing.com

In this episode Anna chats to mum on a mission, Shakira Akabusi about relinquishing control as a mum and learning to roll with the punches and adapt to every new situation that you find yourself in.

Shakira is a mum of four, working to shatter the Stereotype around mother, in particular pre and postnatal health, including physical and mental wellbeing.

You can find out more about Shakira on her website www.stronglikemum.com and follow her on Instagram at @shakira.akabusi

You can buy her book 'The Strong Like Mum Method: Awaken the power of your pre and postnatal body through instinct, knowledge and exercise' at
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Like-Mum-Method-postnatal/dp/1472146581/ref=zg_bsnr_270766_49?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=716Q2XFN9PQDJCSXT4E2

Sometimes as a mother, you'll find yourself at a loss as to what the next step can be and how you can move your family out of a moment in time into a calmer, happier environment where you all feel in control. Sometimes there is just no control to be had.

And in this episode I share my tips for managing those moments and how to handle the feeling that you don't have the answers or the strength to navigate through.

I share a thought on why we feel like we're failing sometimes. It's a philosophical one, about how motherhood is a role, but it is also an identity.

As mothers, when we feel like we are failing, the feeling can hit a little harder sometimes, because it can feel less to do with getting a role a bit wrong sometimes, and more to do with who we are! I untangle this a little in this episode.

In this episode Anna chats to Louise Pentland about how mothers should pay attention to how they are seen through the lens of their children as it's undoubtedly with more kindness and affection than we view ourselves.

Louise is a Vlogger and #1 Sunday Times Bestselling Author as well as an NSPCC Ambassador for Childhood.

You can follow Louise on Instagram at @louisepentland and you can order her brand new novel, Time after Time, here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-After-must-read-bestselling-Pentland/dp/1838774084?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1655901343&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=spriofglit-21&linkId=04f7ab7f4b2e729a6229fcc5d44dc4ae&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

In this episode of One Thing, Anna chats with Ashley James about how to filter out unhelpful and unsolicited advice.

Ashley James is a mum of one, podcaster, presenter, DJ and Dating and Empowerment Coach.

You can follow Ashley on Instagram at @ashleylouisejames

You can listen to Ashley's podcast 'Mum's The Word' here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mums-the-word-the-parenting-podcast-with-ashley-james/id1579670515

On this episode of One Thing Anna chats with fellow Anna, Anna Williamson on the topic of sleep and how our thoughts about it and the hours we get, change as we become mothers.

Anna Williamson is a mum of two, television presenter, podcaster, author and dating expert that you might recognise as the presenter of Channel 4's Celebs Go Dating. Anna is also a big champion of maternal mental health.

You can follow Anna on Instagram at @annawilliamsonofficial

You can listen to her podcast, Breaking Mum and Dad here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breaking-mum-dad-the-podcast/id1334745121

And you can buy her book Breaking Mum and Dad, The Insider's Guide to Parenting Anxiety here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Mum-Dad-Insiders-Parenting/dp/1472953355

In this episode Anna chats to Baby and Child Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed about the importance of confidence when it comes to feeding our babies and children.

Charlotte, alongside being an expert in infant and child nutrition, is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author and founder of SR Nutrition which you can visit here https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/

Charlotte's new book, How to Feed Your Toddler: Everything you need to know to raise happy, independent little eaters will be published in September and is available for pre-order here.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Feed-Your-Toddler-independent/dp/1785044052/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3II4AH7MIDWX8&keywords=how+to+feed+your+toddler&qid=1652113519&sprefix=how+to+feed+your+toddler%2Caps%2C1416&sr=8-1

You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at @sr_nutrition

On this episode of The Therapy Edit Anna considers the wonder of boredom and how we can find more joy in the mundane moments in life.

In this episode of The Therapy Edit Anna ponders practical ways to help you create space around yourself when you can't physically step away from your children.

In this episode Anna considers how we judge ourselves against our ability to consistently achieve what we consider to be the best way to live. Be it parenting decisions, habits and routines or practices that we think will make our lives better.

Anna chats about when we should aspire to be consistent and when we should let it go and offers 5 tips for achieving consistency when it actually matters.

On this episode Anna considers how we can protect ourselves from the risk of burnout and exhaustion by starting to think about our energy as a limited resource.

Anna considers how we can protect our children from developing negative mental and emotional health habits as a result of our own worries and insecurities.

On this episode of One Thing Anna chats with Amelia Freer about why self nourishment for mothers truly matters.

Amelia Freer is a Registered Nutritional Therapist and international best selling author, debuting with the inspirational Eat. Nourish. Glow., now translated into many languages. Amelia’s fourth book, Simply Good for You, was released in Dec 2019.

You can follow Amelia on Instagram at @ameliafreer

You can find out more about Amelia's work here https://ameliafreer.com/

You can buy your copy of Simply Good For You here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simply-Good-You-bursting-goodness/dp/0241414687/ref=sr_1_1?crid=111R7OIHLMOZR&keywords=amelia+freer&qid=1655116668&sprefix=amelia+freer+%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-1

In this episode of One Thing, Anna chats with Sarra Hoy about how no mother is ever alone in their emotions or experience, even though it may feel that way.

Sarra Hoy is the wife of Gold Medal Olympic cyclist, Chris Hoy and following their shared experience of becoming parents to a premature baby, Sarra became an ambassador for Bliss, the UKs largest neonatal charity.

You can follow Sarra on Instagram at @sarra.hoy and you learn more about the work of Bliss at www.bliss.org.uk

Bliss exists to give every baby born premature or sick in the UK the best chance of survival and quality of life.

In this episode Anna offers listeners 5 practical tips to manage guilt associated with mistakes they feel they have made as a parent.

Parenting is a tough gig and we all make mistakes on a daily basis, big and small, but each new day is an opportunity to be the parent that your child needs you to be so carrying guilt over situations you have no ability to erase from history is counter productive. Use Anna's tools to resume your sense of confidence and sense of safety for your children.

In this episode Anna shares her ideas and suggestions on situation she encounters regularly in her day to day life as a mother. How to stay calm when your child is losing their 'shiz!'

All children have meltdowns, some more than others, but one of the biggest challenges of parenting is learning to cope with a storm in how their children regulate their emotions and Anna helps you cope withe pressures of walking into the storm as opposed to running away from it.

In this episode Anna shares the common motherhood frustration associated with the never ending to do list and offers listeners 5 suggestions for how to take control of the list and the associated feelings of stress and overwhelm that it can trigger.

In this episode Anna shares a lightbulb moment where she realised a life changing truth that has transformed her motherhood journey.

It's a biggy so you'll have to listen to find out more and also to unpick Anna's realisation (which of course comes accompanied with lots of helpful therapeutic tips to help you make space for this realisation in your own motherhood journey. )

In this episode Anna chats to Stacey Heale about how to talk about and show all the hard emotions, grief included.

Stacey's partner Greg died of cancer last year and she speaks openly about her experiences of death and grief talks and writes openly about the topic and how we can prepare for the emotions that grief will throw at us all at some point.

You can follow Stacey on Instagram @stacey_heale

In this episode Anna chats to sisters Gem and Eve of Calm and Bright Sleep Support about finding confidence in your choices.

Calm and Bright Sleep Support was founded by Gem and Eve who have 7 children between them. Their sleep support services for families are provided by a team of 10 which includes three paediatric nurses, a midwife, a senior NHS Clinical psychologist and an integrative therapist and together they are proud to support thousands of families each year to find the right sleep solutions for them.

You can follow Calm and Bright Sleep Support on Instagram at @calmandbrightseleepsupport

You can visit their website and download an array of transformative sleep plans aimed at helping families with children aged 0-4 to find the right sleep for them at https://www.calmandbright.co.uk/

You can also buy Calm and Bright's book, Love to Sleep, here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Sleep-Nights-Happy-Child/dp/1398702668

On this episode Anna chats with Instagram mental health campaigner, podcaster and author Laura Belbin on about how to address feelings of guilt and shame and live authentically with your own version of motherhood.

Laura offers a brilliant antidote to the unrealistic, sugar-coated portrayal of ‘perfect’ motherhood, and she is no stranger to ‘going viral’. Laura started her channels after chronic post-natal-depression left her with an insatiable desire to make people laugh and reassure those who doubt themselves every single day: the ones who have struggled to accept the way they look; the mums-to-be about to find themselves taking their first step towards parenthood; and the women bossing it like badasses every single day but never getting the credit they deserve. Laura’s favourite saying is “you are more than enough”.

You can follow Laura on Instagram at @knee_deep_in_life

You can also purchase Laura's book 'No Shame, How to drop the guilt... from someone who's learned the f*%cking hard way here https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Shame-drop-guilt-learned/dp/1529148413/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RK5ROC1647V4&keywords=no+shame+laura+belbin&qid=1657885230&sprefix=no+shame+%2Caps%2C58&sr=8-1

On this solo episode of The Therapy Edit, Anna shares her thoughts on a source of worry for lots of mums with the school summer holidays stretching out before us! Anna shares 5 top tips for how you can make the summer holidays run smoothly and soothe any feelings of anxiety or overwhelm that you might be struggling with.

In this episode Anna considers the reasons that we might feel envious of others and how we can reframe this emotion and allow ourselves some self compassion.

Anna reads a short excerpt from her lastest book, The Little Book of Calm for New Mums, Grounding Words for The Highs, The Lows and The Moments Inbetween

You can get your copy here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Book-Calm-New-Mums/dp/0241559812/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30JE2GQLPU7WL&keywords=the+little+book+of+calm+for+new+mums&qid=1658230072&sprefix=the+little+book+of+calm%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1

In this episode Anna offers her top 5 tips on a regularly requested topic; how to manage guilt around friendships that have changed as a result of motherhood.

In this episode Anna shares a lightbulb moment about how she can easily boost her wellbeing and offers you advice and tips as to how you can easily go about boosting your own too,

In this episode of The Therapy Edit Anna offers listeners some advice on how to accept help, guilt-free, whenever it's offered.

She considers the reason that many mums find it so challenging to accept offers of help, rest and respite and how we can identify genuine offers of help that are given willingly and get better at saying 'yes please.'

On this episode of The Therapy Edit Anna chats with Tobi Asare, founder of My Bump Pay.

As an expert speaker on the topic of balancing motherhood and work, Tobi's One Thing is that mothers shouldn't attempt to meet the juggle of being a working parent alone.

After studying Law at the University of Manchester and the BPP Law School in London, Tobi spent over 10 years working with talented entrepreneurs who’ve built seriously impressive businesses. She was at the heart of developing and leading client service teams, whilst managing commercial relationships within large investment and corporate companies. Tobi is now a Director on board of one the UK’s largest media companies running the business development, Marketing and PR division.
Having been the first in her office location to go through the maternity process, Tobi went on a steep learning curve and became fascinated by how mums to be and mums go on to build successful careers amidst the barriers that surround working mothers.
This soon became Tobi’s passion as she was navigating this journey to help other mums and soon to be mums create an lasting and positive impact in the workplace. Giving them the tools to smash the glass ceiling with a baby on the way and beyond.
Tobi was inspired to create a platform to help give women the confidence to achieve their career goals and take them through their career journey overcoming the motherhood penalty – My Bump Pay was launched.

You can visit My Bump Pay here https://mybumppay.com

And follow Tobi on Instagram at @mybumppay

On this episode of The Therapy Edit, Anna chats to Midwife Pip who shares her one piece of advice to all the mums; that there is no perfect way to birth your baby. A brilliant listen for any expectant mums feeling pressure to achieve whatever they perceive to be a 'perfect' birth.

Pip is a practicing midwife in the UK, currently working as a Delivery Suite Sister she has a wealth of experience supporting parents-to-be through all aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum. Pip has trained and worked in some of the leading maternity units, has continued to study through a master's programme and is passionate about all aspects of women's health and wellness.
​
The decision to found her antenatal classes and postnatal support services arose from having met and cared for many parents who, despite attending antenatal classes, had not felt prepared for the potential twists and turns that may unfold during labour and birth. Pip is on a mission to bridge this gap by providing honest, evidence-based antenatal and postnatal education to ensure women feel empowered to birth free from fear and prepared to navigate their parenting journey.
​
Enthused by the momentous benefits of exercising in pregnancy and a healthy, nourishing pregnancy diet Pip is excited to bring you programmes that will facilitate an active pregnancy lifestyle and that support a woman's body through birth and in preparation for motherhood.
​
Pip has an ethos that "a positive birth does not have to be un-medicated; it just needs to be from an informed place of positivity and free from fear".
This underpins her midwife-led antenatal classes and parenting preparation courses to give you the very best pregnancy advice.

Find out about Pip and all the words of wisdom she has on offer here https://www.midwifepip.com
Follow her on Instagram at @midwifepip
And listen to her amazing podcast here https://www.midwifepip.com/podcast

If you would benefit from support and insight around your birth or labour, please head to birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

In this episode of The Therapy Edit, Anna chats to guest Rebecca Wilson who offers fellow mums the tip that they don't need to aspire to perfection every single day.

Rebecca is the founder of a family food and eating platform that you can find at www.rebeccawilson.com
You can also follow her on Instagram at @rebeccawilsonfood

When she began weaning her daughter Nina onto solid food at 6 months Rebecca wanted to cook once for herself and her daughter to save time, but struggled to find recipes that were suitable for herself and her daughter.

After extensive research into what foods babies can and can’t have, Rebecca discovered that with some imagination and creativity, it was possible to cook meals that babies and adults could enjoy together. She applied her personal love of cooking to creating recipes for her and Nina which brought some variety and spark to their weaning journey.

Soon, she started sharing her recipe ideas and weaning journey (the highs and lows) on her Instagram channel, originally called What Mummy Makes.

Very quickly the audience grew, with more and more people inspired to try Rebecca’s method of cooking for their family just once.

Today she is a published author of two top selling books, with her brand new third release, Family Fast Foods, available to pre-order here https://rebeccawilson.com/my-books/

In this episode of The Therapy Edit, Anna chats with Lucy London who tells listeners that her One Thing is 'to be honest with your children drawing on her experiences of coming out as a gay to her family.

Lucy London is a fashion designer, the Creative Director at London Queer Fashion Show and programmes short fashion courses for Jimmy Choo Academy.

You can follow Lucy on Instagram at @lucylondonofficial

In this guest episode of The Therapy Edit, Anna chats with Rosie Stockley about her One Thing.

Rosie talks about how important movement is and asks mums to banish any guilt they associate with taking time out for themselves to focus on their health.

Mamawell founder, Rosie is a fitness specialist who has trained women of all walks of life and fitness levels over the last 15 years. She founded Mamawell to provide women with education and insight into their bodies in the pre and postpartum period (and beyond), and the benefits that exercise can bring, both for strength and energy - mentally & physically. She teaches in person & has online fitness programmes for pregnancy and postpartum and a subscription: Club Mamawell for all women.

Rosie is well known for her holistic and intelligent approach to training the body, and the individual needs of each woman. She writes extensively, speaks and sits on panels highlighting the importance of fitness for mental health, the benefits of being strong throughout pregnancy and thereafter, and how to find balance and energy in our busy, multi-faceted roles as women.

On her platform @mamawelluk, Rosie is respected for providing quality information, from her professional experience, whether this is on fitness, wellness, pregnancy, postpartum or mumlife with her 2 girls. Her motherhood experiences add to her approachable appeal for women wanting to be inspired to be strong, healthy and energised throughout this time.

Visit Mamawell here https://www.mamawell.org/

And follow Rosie at @mamawelluk