In this episode of the Around the Campfire podcast, I’m joined by Lauren Bohl — a functional medicine certified health coach, occupational therapist, and mom of two teens — for a powerful conversation about what it really looks like to prioritize your own well-being as a mom.

Lauren shares her personal journey through motherhood, career pivots, and burnout, and how those experiences ultimately led her to support other moms in building healthier, more grounded lives. We dig into what functional medicine actually is, the difference between self-care and self-comfort, and why stress management is often the most important — and most overlooked — starting point when it comes to feeling better in our bodies and our lives.

We talk about:

• How functional medicine and health coaching can help moms feel more in control of their health

• The surprising truth about balance (hint: it’s never perfect and that’s okay)

• Tangible ways to reduce stress and reconnect with what matters

• The difference between comfort and care, and why both are valid

• Why building connection — with yourself and your family — is at the heart of everything

Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in survival mode, or just ready for a reset, this conversation is a reminder that your wellness matters too — and taking care of yourself is not just okay, it’s essential.

Link to This World’s Ours Centre event June 12

Takeaways

• Parenting transitions can bring unexpected emotions.
• Functional medicine focuses on root causes of health issues.
• Lifestyle changes are crucial for overall well-being.
• Moms often lack support in their health journeys.
• Personalized coaching helps moms prioritize self-care.
• Community support is vital for mothers’ mental health.
• Self-awareness enhances personal growth and behavior change.
• Coaching provides accountability and validation.
• It’s important to feel seen and understood as a parent.
• Balance in life is a continuous journey, not a destination. Imbalance in life can be intentional and should be acknowledged.
• Stress often underlies health concerns, especially for moms.
• Self-care is about preparing for your future self.
• Connection with children is the most effective parenting strategy.
• You can’t control everything; acceptance is key.
• Caring for yourself is a vital part of caring for your children.
• Building resilience to stress is essential for well-being.
• Gratitude practices can shift your mindset positively.
• Music can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for personal wellness.