De-Stress the Nest

Ep. 88 - How Movement Helps Us Through Hard Seasons with Alex Rutkay

Movement isn't just about physical health. In this episode of De-Stress the Nest, Hannah Morgan talks with entrepreneur and City Mouse founder Alex Rutkay about how movement helped her navigate grief, build resilience, and prioritize her mental health during difficult seasons. Alex shares how exercise became a powerful tool for processing life's challenges and why even a few minutes of movement can make a meaningful difference. 🎙️ Key Takeaways * Movement supports mental health as much as physical health. * Small amounts of movement still count. * Parents often put themselves last, but self-care benefits everyone. * Consistency matters more than perfection. * Exercise can help process stress, grief, and difficult emotions. 💬 Quotes from Alex Rutkay * "Those things are not just for my physical health. They're mostly for my mental health." * "In order to show up and be a better mother, I have to prioritize myself." * "If I can move my body every day in some way, I'm winning at life." 📚 Resources Mentioned * City Mouse [https://citymouseny.com/] – A thoughtfully designed diaper bag brand founded by Alex Rutkay. * Heron H [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/]ouse Management⁠⁠ [https://elevensuitcases.com/] - Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most. 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Working Moms Movement [https://www.workingmomsmovement.com/], a coaching and system-based program designed to help working moms stop living in survival mode and start building a life that actually works.

Ep. 87 - Delegation 101: Strategies That Really Work with Hannah Morgan

Think delegation means giving up control? Think again. In this solo episode, Hannah Morgan shares the delegation framework she uses as a working mom of three and founder of Heron House Management. Learn how to identify what should stay on your plate, what should come off, and how systems can help you reduce mental load while creating more time for what matters most. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Focus on what you're good at, what you enjoy, and what only you can do. * Clear the backlog before building new systems. * Systems make delegation easier and more sustainable. * Accountability can be just as valuable as outsourcing. * Anticipating future needs reduces stress and last-minute scrambling. * Delegation is a strategy, not a weakness. 💬 Quotes from Hannah * "There is no shame in delegating, and there is no shame in building your team." * "We're not supposed to be parenting in a vacuum." * "Systems are the sweet spot." * "Our time is the most precious and valuable resource that we have." 📚 Resources Mentioned * ⁠Heron H [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/]ouse Manag [https://elevensuitcases.com/]ement⁠⁠ [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/] - Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most. * Hawkeye Focus Coaching [https://www.hawkeyefocuscoaching.com/] - ADHD-focused accountability and deep work support for entrepreneurs and executives. * Body doubling * Accountability partnerships * Shared family calendars * Time blocking and future planning strategies 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 This episode was sponsored by Hawkeye Focus Coaching www.hawkeyefocuscoaching.com [https://www.hawkeyefocuscoaching.com/]

Ep. 86 - The Reality of Returning from Living Abroad with David Schnurman

Living abroad gets plenty of attention. Coming home? Not so much. In this episode of De-Stress the Nest, Hannah Morgan welcomes back David Schnurman, author of Eleven Suitcases, to discuss the unexpected realities of returning to the United States after spending several years living in Barcelona with his family. David shares lessons learned from reverse culture shock, reconnecting with community, raising globally-minded kids, and how travel permanently changes the way you see home. If you've ever dreamed of moving abroad—or wondered what happens after the adventure ends—this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Returning home can be just as challenging as moving abroad. * Reverse culture shock is real. * Living abroad changes your perspective permanently. * Children and parents often experience transitions differently. * The "W Curve" helps explain cultural adjustment and re-entry. * Adventure can become part of a family's identity. 💬 Quotes from David Schnurman * "Within a month, you start thinking to yourself, was that a dream?" * "It's a bug that once you get, you sort of don't lose. * "Nothing's ever as good as the first time." * "We're going to continue to do more adventures." 📚 Resources Mentioned * 11 Suitc [https://elevensuitcases.com/]ases [https://elevensuitcases.com/] - David Schnurman’s book about moving to Barcelona with kids * ⁠Heron H [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/]ouse Manag [https://elevensuitcases.com/]ement⁠⁠ [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/] - Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most. 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 This episode was sponsored by Heron House Management. Learn more at https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/ [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/]

Ep. 85 - The Need for Affordable Childcare and Paid Family Leave with Paige Connell

Childcare and paid leave aren’t “nice to have” benefits. They are essential supports for working families. In this episode of De-Stress the Nest, Hannah Morgan talks with Paige Connell, content creator and advocate in the motherhood space, about the childcare affordability crisis, the lack of paid parental leave in the U.S., and how both issues disproportionately impact women and working parents. Paige explains why childcare should be viewed as a societal and economic issue, not just an individual family problem. Together, Hannah and Paige also discuss why inclusive paid leave policies matter for all parents, how workplace culture needs to shift, and why support for families benefits everyone. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by childcare costs, frustrated by leave policies, or passionate about making work and parenting more sustainable, this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Childcare is essential: Most working families rely on childcare in order to stay employed and financially stable. * Costs are rising quickly: Affordable childcare is becoming harder to access for many families. * Women are disproportionately impacted: Mothers are more likely to reduce hours, change roles, or leave the workforce because of childcare gaps. * Paid leave affects long-term equity: Lack of paid leave impacts earnings, retirement savings, and career growth. * Leave should support all parents: Inclusive policies normalize involved parenting from day one. * Workplaces play a role: Companies can help shift culture by offering and actively encouraging paid leave and childcare support. 💬 Quotes from Paige Connell * “Childcare is often viewed as a ‘you problem,’ but it actually benefits the economy and society at large.” * “The lack of affordable childcare disproportionately impacts women.” * “People across the board believe there should be affordable, safe childcare.” * “Every parent deserves this time.” * “We need men to take leave, and we need companies not just to offer it, but to encourage it.” 📚 Resources Mentioned * Paige Connell (@sheisapaigeturner) [https://www.instagram.com/sheisapaigeturner?igsh=MTRkazV4aDVlMDd3Nw==] - Content creator and motherhood thought leader sharing honest conversations about gender equity, mental load, and the realities of modern parenthood. * Heron House Management⁠⁠  [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/] - Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most. 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 This episode was sponsored by Heron House Management. Learn more at https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/ [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/]

Ep. 84 - Why Swiss Cheese Organizing Doesn’t Actually Work with Lisa Woodruff

If you’ve ever spent hours organizing your kids’ rooms only for them to explode again by the next afternoon… this episode is for you. In this episode of De-Stress the Nest, Hannah Morgan talks with Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize365, about why so many parents are pouring energy into organizing the wrong spaces in their homes — and how shifting your focus can dramatically reduce stress and create more peace in your day-to-day life. Lisa introduces the concept of “Swiss cheese organizing,” where parents spend tons of effort organizing spaces that naturally cycle back into chaos quickly, like playrooms and kids’ bedrooms. Instead, she explains why organizing your own personal spaces first — like your bedroom, closet, bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen — creates lasting impact, more calm, and more functional systems for the entire household. If you’ve ever felt frustrated that your organizing efforts “don’t stick,” this episode will completely change the way you think about home systems and where your energy should go. 🔑 Key Takeaways * Organizing kids’ spaces first creates burnout: Children’s spaces naturally change constantly, especially under age 5. * Your personal spaces matter most: Organizing your own bedroom, closet, bathroom, and laundry room creates daily peace and functionality. * Systems should reduce stress, not create more work: Focus on areas that stay organized longer and require less constant resetting. * Maintenance is easier than constant overhauls: Adult spaces typically need occasional upkeep, while children’s spaces are in constant rotation. * Rest matters too: Sometimes the best use of your free time is sleep, not another organizing project. 💬 Quotes from Lisa Woodruff * “Organizing your house with kids under 5 is like shoveling snow in a snowstorm.” * “You are putting forth a lot of organizing effort in the wrong spaces in your house.” * “Take a nap instead.” * “The spaces you should focus on first are your bedroom, your bathroom, your closet, your laundry room, and your kitchen.” * “Kids’ spaces have to be continually done.” 📚 Resources Mentioned * ⁠Lisa Woodruff⁠: [https://organize365.com/] Founder of Organize365 * Heron House Management [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com⁠]: Virtual house management support for busy families 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 This episode was sponsored by Heron House Management https://www.heronhousemanagement.com [https://www.heronhousemanagement.com]