6 Vital Things You’re Missing As an Over-Scheduled Mom

Daycare drop-off, carpool, the PTA bake sale, soccer, t-ball, art class, swimming, tennis, and art camp. Whew! Your kid might be perfectly fine (or even awesomely energetic), but you’re exhausted. Between everything your child has to do, staying on top of your job, taking care of things at home, fitting in date night, making time for Sunday morning brunch with the girls, and everything else you do — you’re over-scheduled. Majorly over-scheduled. You hear an awful lot about kids and over-scheduling, but it seems like parents are left out when it comes to looking at why booking yourself to the max is just as bad for mamas as it is for their kiddos. Here are six things you miss out on when you book yourself 24/7.

1. “Me” Time: When you became a mom, you gave up something very precious — time for yourself. You got something even more precious (your child), but you don’t have to be into the all-kid, all-the-time life. With 24 hours in a day, surely there’s at least one for something that doesn’t involve changing diapers, washing sippy cups, or cleaning finger paint from the wall. No one is saying that you should ignore your family in favor of adults-only activities all of the time. But without at least some “me” time, you might start resenting your new mommy life.

2. Time to Decompress: One of the major criticisms of over-scheduling children is that they don’t have the free time they need to unwind. They’re all stressed out about school and have a stockpile of energy that they’ve been holding in. Well, the same goes for you. It’s not like your boss gives you three half-hour breaks a day to run around outside, play kickball, or jump rope. You also don’t get the chance to stop and just be for a moment. (Those 15 seconds you wait for your preschooler to come out of her classroom does not count.) When you’re booked every second of every day, you don’t get the chance to sit, de-stress, and let the day melt away.

3. Learning to Be Alone: In a life where you can’t even pee without your mini-me following you to the bathroom, you can’t imagine what it would be like to be alone. But someday your toddler will be a teenager, and then they’ll go off to college. Yes, audible gulp there. Being on the go all of the time with kid-related parenting activities sets you up for some loneliness later on. Instead of waiting, take a break so you can get used to being by yourself right now.

4. Your Own Creativity: 5:45am is wake-up time, every day. 7:15 is breakfast. 8:00 is school drop-off. And your schedule just goes on from there. Every day it’s the same thing — same time, same activity. There’s just no room for creativity in that packed schedule of yours. You totally want your kiddo to be creative: That’s why you signed them up for tot art class, ballet, and acting. But they’re not the only one who needs a schedule break to stretch their imagination. When you have some unplanned time, you’re forced to get creative and think outside of the box. At least, you’re forced to think about what you can actually do — right now.

5. Resting and Recharging: Your days are marathons. Actually, they’re a series of micro-sprints that are set up to make you jump over hurdles between running from here to there and then back here again. That’s probably why you tend to fall asleep while reading your toddler their bedtime story. (Or maybe it’s that their themed bed is completely comfortable and cozy.) In any case, over-scheduling yourself can run you ragged. You need a break, and if you don’t get one, you’re going to collapse. Maybe literally.

6. The Important Things in Life: What with answering work emails, texting the other homeroom parents about the teacher’s end-of-the-year gift, and coaching pee-wee soccer, you have zero free time — not just for yourself, but for your family as well. Over-scheduling takes away from QT with your loved ones. Sure, you spend time with your kids as-is: After all, there’s the five minutes in the car on the way to preschool and the 10 minutes you stood in line with your baby at the grocery store. But those aren’t really quality examples. Undo some of that over-scheduling, and pencil in downtime with your family!

What schedule-clogger would you love to ditch? Tweet us your thoughts @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

Keeping our minds sharp becomes just as important as maintaining our physical health when we get older.

But while memory, concentration, and mental clarity can decline with age, the good news is that the brain remains extremely adaptable and can still benefit from consistent mental exercises.

So, just like how you hit the gym and work out your muscles to stay fit, you can participate in activities that strengthen your cognitive abilities, too. Whether you want to improve your memory or simply stay mentally agile, here are eight mental exercises that will help keep you sharp.

These are the 8 best mental exercises to keep your mind sharp!

1. Play Card Games

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A study conducted in 2015 showed that regularly playing cards can actually increase brain volume in various regions, which is linked to improved cognitive functions like memory and critical thinking.

Not to mention, card games are a great way to boost focus, hone your decision-making skills, and connect with other players. Some popular favorites you can try out include poker, crazy eights, hearts, bridge, and gin rummy.

2. Strengthen Your Trivia Knowledge

Marcus Aurelius

Are you more of a "Jeopardy!" or "Family Feud" person? Regardless, trivia is an excellent way to exercise your brain and learn more across a wide variety of topics. The best part is that you can play solo or in a group.

Download a trivia app on your phone, hit up a trivia night at local bars or cafes, or play some trivia board games with friends or family. Participating in trivia regularly may improve both short-term and long-term memory retention.

3. Build Jigsaw Puzzles

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From simple 100-piece images to more complex 1,000-piece works of art, puzzles are more than just a way to relax. They're also a great mental workout.

Building jigsaw puzzles has been shown to activate multiple cognitive functions, such as spatial reasoning, visual processing, and problem-solving, all of which are critical for preserving brain health as we mature.

4. Venture Off The Beaten Path

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When we stick to the same routines day in and day out, our brains can get pretty complacent. Try shaking things up and stepping outside of your comfort zone by challenging your mind.

For instance, taking a different route to work is a small habit switch that can have a surprising impact on cognitive function. You'll be forcing your brain to adapt to new environments or processes and stimulating areas responsible for memory, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.

5. Play An Instrument

Charles Parker

If you've ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument, there's never been a more perfect time. Again, since the brain is adaptable and continues forming new connections throughout your life, you can develop new skills at any age.

Plus, picking up an instrument requires concentration, coordination, and memory, making it a stellar brain exercise.

6. Learn A Foreign Language

Ivan Samkov

You can reap significant cognitive benefits from learning a foreign language as well. Research suggests that being bilingual can actually enhance creativity, memory, and visual-spatial skills. It even makes it easier to switch between tasks and may help delay mental decline.

The best part? It's never too late to get started. There are plenty of language-learning apps available right on your smart device. Otherwise, visit a local class to connect with others who are also picking up a new language.

7. Teach Someone Else A Skill

Mikhail Nilov

It's one thing to learn a new skill; it's another to teach it to someone else. Not only will it reinforce your own knowledge, but it'll deepen your understanding further.

When you explain a concept or technique to another person, you have to break it down, identify key steps, and correct mistakes along the way. This helps solidify your grasp on the topic at hand while bolstering your memory.

8. Meditate

Marcus Aurelius

Finally, daily meditation does more than merely calm your mind or reduce stress. Regular practice may also improve memory and increase your brain's capacity to process information more efficiently.

All you have to do is take a few moments each day to focus on your breathing and clear your mind.

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Everyone's favorite social satire series, The White Lotus, has returned for a new season on HBO. Set in Thailand, Season 3 is taking viewers on another dramatic (and sometimes uncomfortable) journey with a fresh group of affluent travelers.

Well, the cast does have two returning stars: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey and Jon Gries as Greg. Then some of the newcomers include Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Lisa Manobal, and Charlotte Le Bon.

One more star, Aimee Lou Wood, has especially stood out to fans. She plays Chelsea and has delivered a captivating performance thus far as Rick's younger girlfriend. Aside from her intriguing portrayal, many viewers have also been fascinated by her unique look — more specifically, her teeth. Aimee, who is British, has confirmed that her teeth are real, and her unique smile is actually something that's affected her career in Hollywood.

Scroll to see what The White Lotus star, Aimee Lou Wood said about all THOSE teeth comments...

The actress, who's 30 years old, detailed how, when it came to theater auditions, she always felt confident. Yet, she'd be "shocked" to get a call back after auditioning for a TV role.

It wasn't until 2009, when Georgia May Jagger, who also has a distinct smile with a gap, became the face of Rimmel London, that Aimee felt more secure in her look.

"All of a sudden, it went from me being goofy to, 'Oh, you're a bit of a model, aren't you?' So I want to thank Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth," she shared with Stylist back in 2020.

Aimee has maintained her British accent on The White Lotus, which makes sense, given the show's premise is about entitled world travelers who encounter dark circumstances or fates. Interestingly, though, she recently discussed her belief that she wouldn't be able to convincingly portray an American character due to her teeth.

"It's the teeth. Like, no Americans have my teeth. They just don't. I'd have to get veneers. Because... I think that genuinely is like one of the things," she revealed to On Demand Entertainment.

But while many celebs have already gone the veneer route, Aimee is proud that she hasn't. It makes her feel "a bit rebellious." Plus, ever since landing her latest role on the show, she's reportedly received "hundreds of messages" from fans who've appreciated seeing unique smiles like theirs on-screen.

"People going, 'Oh my god, you've got teeth like mine. Now I go to school, and people think I'm cool because I look like Aimee.' Instead of it being 'Bugs Bunny' or whatever," Aimee explained.

So, while she battled insecurities about her teeth during childhood, she's definitely become a representation icon for girls and women everywhere.

To see what happens to Aimee's character next, as well as the rest of the cast, you can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max.

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The world today is more fast-paced than ever, so it can be easy to push ourselves to the limit and neglect our well-being in favor of completing responsibilities and remaining productive. Nonetheless, there comes a point when our minds and bodies start to send us clear signals that we need a break. But contrary to what some may believe, taking a mental health day is not a sign of weakness.

It's understandable why people might feel guilty about taking personal time off from work to focus on self-care or simply relax and relieve stress. Even so, this growing practice is vital for preserving balance and preventing burnout in both our personal and professional lives. So, in case you need a reminder, it's okay to put yourself first and take a mental health day — these are 10 signs that you may need to ask for one.

Scroll to find the 10 clear signs you need to take a mental health day!

1. You're Anxious About Going To The Office

Tima Miroshnichenko

If you find yourself waking up in the morning with a pit in your stomach and wishing you could avoid the day ahead, it's a sign that your mind is overwhelmed. Feeling anxious or dreading going to work can be normal from time to time, but if it's a consistent pattern, these emotions may be a result of burnout or mounting stress. It's essential to listen to your body, as pushing through and going to work anyway could lead to further exhaustion and even more anxiety.

2. You Feel Burnt Out

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Burnout has the ability to creep up on us gradually. When stress is unmanaged, or breaks are neglected, these feelings can build up over time and cause us to feel deeply exhausted. People suffering from burnout can experience a multitude of symptoms, from lower energy levels and mental fogginess to physical and emotional depletion.

3. You're Having Trouble Focusing

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When we're stressed, our minds can become clouded, and concentrating at work becomes an impossible task. Even the simplest responsibilities may take more mental effort than ever before, and in the wake of this overwhelming feeling, the likelihood that we'll make mistakes increases.

Not to mention, the effects of stress extend beyond just focus and can also interfere with memory and the ability to retain new information. You may suddenly realize you're struggling to learn new skills or recall important details.

4. You're Constantly Getting Sick

Liza Summer

Chronic stress can seriously affect your physical health as well, and if you're frequently getting sick, you may need to take a day off. Research has shown that stress triggers an increase in suppressor T cells and catecholamine levels, both of which suppress the immune system. So, you're left more vulnerable to illnesses.

A mental health break from work can help you lower stress and, in turn, boost your immune system's ability to fight off things like colds or viruses.

5. You're Getting Agitated Easily

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After exhaustion and stress take over, it can be tough to keep our emotions in check. So, even tiny annoyances might trigger agitation or anger.

If you've begun snapping at coworkers or losing your temper over things that wouldn't normally bother you, it's a sign that your mental health is suffering. Taking a personal day will be good for both your well-being and the maintenance of your professional relationships.

6. It's Difficult To Sleep

Andrea Piacquadio

Whether you're frustrated, anxious, or stressed, all of these emotions can make it tough to sleep at night. And if you're tossing and turning, not getting enough rest to sustain you throughout the workday, stress levels will continue to rise.

This pattern can spiral into a vicious cycle: the more sleep you lose, the harder it becomes to think clearly, leading to more stress and even more lost shut-eye. Sometimes, taking a mental health day to catch up on some much-needed sleep can break the cycle.

7. Your Eating Habits Have Changed

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Much like sleep, stress can also have a significant impact on our eating habits as well. Some people may lose their appetite and skip meals due to anxiety, while others turn to food for comfort.

Both of these coping mechanisms are unhealthy and signal that your mental health is struggling. If you realize that you've been binging or avoiding food in response to work-related pressure, it's time to take a break.

8. Your Work Performance Has Dipped

Mikhail Nilov

Next, a decline in your work quality, from missed deadlines to challenges staying organized, may suggest your stress levels have reached a point where they're affecting your job performance.

If we're overwhelmed and our mental capacity becomes overloaded, it's tougher to prioritize tasks effectively and operate with a clear head.

9. You Feel Disconnected From Those Around You

Ketut Subiyanto

Another telltale indicator is feeling disconnected from coworkers, friends, and family. You might feel misunderstood or as if you're on a different page than everyone else. Plus, as stress continues mounting, you may feel isolated and alone, even when surrounded by people. Taking a break from your routine and reconnecting with loved ones in your personal life can help you reset and ground your mental health.

10. You're Bringing Your Work Home

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Last but not least, does it seem like work is constantly following you home? Perhaps you're always thinking about tasks, worrying about emails, or mentally replaying conversations from the office in your head.

Being unable to disconnect from work after hours is dangerous, as it impedes your work-life balance and doesn't give you a chance to properly rest and recharge. Additionally, blurring the line between work and home life can strain your personal relationships since you're less present with loved ones. A mental health day will allow you to step away, clear your mind, and restore a necessary boundary.

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Every year on March 17, people around the globe celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive parades, lively music, and, obviously, plenty of green. But beyond the usual partying, this holiday is also steeped in traditions that are believed to bring good fortune.

Whether you want to attract prosperity, ward off bad energy, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are some St. Patrick's Day traditions that might just bring a little extra luck your way.

Scroll to see the all the lucky St. Patrick's Day traditions that manifest a little extra fortune!

1. Wearing Green (And Pinching Those Who Aren't)

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One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.

The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.

This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.

2. Drowning A Shamrock In Whiskey

Jill Wellington

In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.

3. Doing An Irish Jig

Darlene Alderson

Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.

The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.

You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!

4. Searching For Four-Leaf Clovers

MH Shan

Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.

While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!

Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.

5. Release The "Devil" From Your Irish Soda Bread

Bijoux and Bits

Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.

This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.

6. Run In A St. Patrick's Day Dash

Brett Sayles

Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.

7. Chow Down On Corned Beef And Cabbage

Brit + Co

It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.

When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.

8. Kiss Someone Who Is Irish

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Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.

However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.

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I already knew Freakier Friday would be even crazier than the first movie (because the only thing that would make me panic more than switching bodies with my mom is having it happen twice), but Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) are in for one wild ride in Freaky Friday 2. Because not only are they experiencing a switch, but Anna's daughter and soon-to-be daughter are caught up in it too. Freaky, indeed.

Here's the hilarious Freakier Friday trailer, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis — and featuring Chappell Roan's "HOTTOGO"!

The 'Freakier Friday' trailer is seeing double.

In the Freakier Friday trailer, we see Anna and Tess get their palms read — and when the palm reader sees their life lines have intersected before, and starts teasing they could be in for another adventure, this mother-daughter duo IMMEDIATELY leaves...and then wakes up the next morning in other bodies.

But while the first Freaky Friday saw Anna and Tess switch bodies with one another, this time Anna finds herself trapped in her own daughter's (Julia Butters) body, while Tess and Anna's soon-to-be stepdaughter (Sophia Hammons) swap as well. Talk about complicated!

I was almost more excited to hear Chappell Roan's "HOTTOGO" than I was about anything else. A perfect song choice if you ask me!

And 'Freakier Friday' sees a lot of familiar faces return.

We also get to see Pink Slip reunite in the Freakier Friday trailer! Screenwriter Jordan Weiss teased the band's reunion in our interview for the 2024 rom-com Sweethearts, telling Brit + Co that "I may or may not have gotten to go to set and been around some pink slip energy."

"It may or may not have excited my inner child beyond belief because I was a super fan. I was 10 years old when the first movie came out," she continued. "So 20 years later to get to work on the sequel as part of that team was a dream and, you know, don't meet your heroes unless your heroes are Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, In which case they're amazing. Meet your heroes."

We also see a glimpse of Manny Jancinto and Chad Michael Murray's Jake pull up for a "sexy grand entrance" on his motorcycle. We'll have to watch Freakier Friday when it hits theaters on August 8, 2025 to see how these ladies will work it out!

Are you excited for Freakier Friday? Let us know what you're most excited to see in the sequel on TikTok! And read up on how Chad Michael Murray's Freaky Friday Role Almost Went To Jared Padalecki.