There I was, standing outside a small, dome-shaped sweat lodge deep in the heart of Sayulita, Mexico, questioning whether I should even be on this trip. My mom was in the hospital. My kids had been sick. My husband was traveling. Everything in me screamed You should stay home. But I had rearranged my flight to make it work, sensing that I desperately needed a reset—I just didn’t realize how much.
Inside that Temazcal, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge ceremony, I found myself face-to-face with my own thoughts, fears, and limitations. At first, I ran—literally stepping out after the first “door” because I was too scared to sit with my own emotions.
Yet, by the final door, something changed. I had been chasing a tiny speck of light in my mind, believing it was the answer, the validation, the clarity I needed. But then it disappeared. And I suddenly felt the overwhelming presence of support from the women around me. I don’t need to chase anything cause the truth is I already had what I needed—time to heal, time to process, and strength in the support of all the women around me.
Why Moms Need a Deep Reset
As mothers, caregivers, and high-achievers, we prioritize everyone else’s needs before our own—until we reach a breaking point. Research confirms that women who take time for self-care feel more capable of managing their responsibilities. Taking breaks makes us better parents. Sources show that moms prioritizing time for themselves are more engaged, patient, and emotionally available for their children. Shared movement and connection can help to heal us.
What is a Mexican Temazcal Ceremony
The Temazcal ceremony is an ancient Mexican healing ritual that symbolizes entering the womb again for rebirth, purification, and mental clarity. It’s essentially a pitch-black sweat lodge experience, where volcanic stones are heated, and medicinal herbs like sage, eucalyptus, and rosemary are placed on the fire to create powerful, cleansing steam. The ceremony lasts for an hour, and each “door” of the Temazcal represents a phase of purification. Throughout the ceremony, participants experience:
- Physical detoxification—sweating out toxins.
- Emotional cleansing—sitting with your thoughts, shedding burdens.
- Spiritual renewal—letting go of what no longer serves you.
- Reconnection—grounding yourself in the moment.
- Rebirth—emerging with a fresh perspective on life.
For me, stepping into the intense heat and darkness of the lodge felt like returning to the womb—a chance to start fresh, to break through emotional walls, and to heal.
Why Every Mom Deserves (and Needs!) Me-Time
I’ll be honest—I almost didn’t make it past the first “door” of the ceremony, and I almost didn’t make it on this trip. The thought of leaving was overwhelming, and the dark, tight space in the temazcal was terrifying. And then I knew I had to sit with my thoughts and some weight I was carrying. However, self-awareness and mindfulness are directly linked to lower anxiety, better decision-making, and improved relationships, as many other moms can testify to. I had to sit in that discomfort and do everything I needed to take that break for myself. When I finally did, it was well worth the stress to get there for my own healing.
Beyond the Mom Hustle: Finding Your Moments of Peace
Beyond the emotional release, another unexpected revelation was the power of moving, breathing, and healing together. Sitting in that sweat lodge, surrounded by strong, like-minded women, I felt a deep connection with all the women around me.
Science backs this up. Studies show that group movement and shared physical experiences release endorphins, improving mental and emotional well-being. This is why group fitness classes, yoga retreats, and communal rituals like the Temazcal are so transformative. And women in strong social circles experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Having a supportive tribe is essential for mental resilience, and Harvard science confirms that resilience alone leads to longevity.
The Takeaway: Moms, Take the Break. We Need It.
If you need to hear this (and I know so many of us do):
Take a break. For YOU.
Everything at home will be just fine while you step away for a little while. My kids thrived while I was gone. And when I returned, my tween—who usually gives me attitude—couldn’t stop saying how much she missed me. That time apart strengthened our bond.
And more than that, I healed a lot of pain I didn’t even realize I was carrying. The truth is that we can’t show up fully for others if we don’t take care of ourselves first. So whether it’s a Temazcal ceremony, a retreat, a solo weekend away, or just a long walk with a friend—give yourself the gift of restoration. Because when we reset, we don’t just heal ourselves—we become stronger for the people we love most.
Ready for Your Own Reset? Here’s How to Start.
- Book the trip. Even if you have to rearrange your schedule, do it.
- Try something new. Whether it’s a Temazcal, a retreat, or simply a solo adventure, push past the resistance.
- Let go of the guilt. Your family will be okay—and you’ll come back even stronger.
- Find your people. Surround yourself with women who lift you up and encourage your growth.
So go take a much-deserved break. Everyone will thrive—including you.
And while you’re at it, tune into MomShine for more inspiration, real talk, and tips to help you juggle it all. Whether you’re on the road, on a walk, or just taking a moment for yourself—we’ve got you covered.