Back-to-school gets framed as a fresh start. For a lot of moms, it also means a spike in the mental load and the quiet pressure to make everyone else's year go smoothly. Why this season raises anxiety, and what you're allowed to put down.

You slept in. You stayed home. You tried to take it easy. So why do you still feel exhausted? For many women, feeling tired even after resting can be connected to anxiety, chronic stress, mental load, and the pressure of always being “on.” Learn why physical rest may not always feel restorative—and what your mind and nervous system may actually need.