The Health Connection Podcast

Episode 27 - Why Looking After Yourself Isn't Selfish When You're a ParentSo many mums are running on empty, putting their children's needs first, their own health last, and somehow wondering why everything feels so hard. This week Amy and Mari have an honest, heartfelt conversation about why looking after yourself isn't selfish - it's ESSENTIAL. And more importantly, how to actually do it within the beautiful chaos of family life. Mari reflects on becoming a mother and how the weight of responsibility for another human being can quietly leave you exhausted, undernourished and depleted… often without you even noticing it's happened. The girls share stories from their 27-day programme. Participants who saw unexpected improvements in energy, mood and PMS symptoms just by focusing on small, achievable changes. It's a good reminder that you don't have to do everything perfectly to feel genuinely better.Your challenge this week: identify one small thing you've been putting off doing for yourself, and DO IT. Not for anyone else. Just for you. You deserve to be on your own list. Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 26 - Why Movement Might Be the Missing Piece for Better Mood, Sleep and Mental WellbeingWe all know movement is good for us but this week Amy and Mari explore a side of it we don't talk about nearly enough. Not the calories burned or the fitness goals, but what movement does for our minds. From quieting racing thoughts to improving sleep and lifting mood, this episode is a gentle nudge to get up, get moving, and notice how much better you feel afterwards. Children instinctively move their bodies when they need to reset… and it works. Amy shares examples of families who noticed real improvements in anxiety and sleep when their children had more opportunity to be physically active. It turns out the adults in the room could learn a thing or two. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here. Amy and Mari encourage listeners to experiment, pay attention to how their body responds, and find ways to move that feel enjoyable rather than like another thing on the to-do list. Because we're designed to move and it doesn't have to be complicated.Your challenge this week: add one extra burst of movement into your day, e.g. a walk, a dance in the kitchen, a few minutes on the trampoline with the kids. Then notice how you feel. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 25 When mum goes down: what happens when you finally have to stopWe spend so much time keeping everyone else going that we rarely stop to think about what happens when we grind to a halt. This week's episode is one of the most honest ones yet. Mari shares her recent lived experience of being properly, can't-get-out-of-bed unwell, and what it revealed about just how much she quietly carries every single day. Amy and Mari talk through what they each do when they're feeling rough, how the pillars of health hold everything together, and why having people around you truly matters when you hit a wall.Your challenge this week: think about who's in your corner. Is there someone you've been meaning to lean on or someone who might need you right now? Reach out. Community is everything. Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 23 - Did they really just say that?! The wellness advice we're all tired of hearing"Just eat less and move more." "Have you tried drinking more water?" "Maybe it’s your hormones…" If any of those made you roll your eyes, this episode is for you. This week Amy puts Mari on the spot with a round of real comments that people actually say to women trying to look after their health. It's not always that people are being unkind, sometimes they just don't get it. Amy and Mari look at why these throwaway comments, however well-intentioned, can actually do more harm than good for women already doing their best.We want to hear from you! What's the most unhelpful piece of health advice someone has ever given you? Drop it in the comments - the more ridiculous the better! Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Health Connection, Mari and Amy shine a light on the invisible mental load so many busy mums carry every day. From managing endless to-do lists to holding everyone else’s needs in mind, they explore how this load often goes unspoken and unshared, even within supportive families. They discuss the stress that builds as a result and the ripple effect it can have on energy levels, mood, and overall health. This episode isn’t about solutions or strategies, but about recognition and reassurance; a reminder that if this feels familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s not a personal failing. Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 9 - In this episode, Mari and Amy turn their attention to one of the most overlooked foundations of health: sleep. They discuss why sleep quality matters just as much as quantity, and focus on the practical elements you can control when it comes to sleep hygiene. From creating a calm, realistic bedtime routine for adults (because kids aren’t the only ones who need one), to exploring foods and supplements that may support deeper, more restorative sleep, they share accessible ideas that fit into busy family life. They also talk about when poor sleep should be taken seriously and when it’s time to seek additional support. A reassuring, practical conversation for anyone who feels tired but doesn’t know where to start. Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Mari and Amy unpack New Year goal setting with a refreshing focus on mindset rather than outcomes. They discuss why so many resolutions fall apart and how busy mums can approach their goals in a way that feels supportive, realistic, and sustainable. Drawing from their own experiences, they openly share challenges such as feeling overwhelmed and struggling with consistency around exercise, alongside the mindset shifts that are helping them move forward. This episode offers reassurance, relatability, and practical encouragement for anyone wanting to set meaningful goals for 2026, without pressure or perfection. Get full access to The Health Connection at thehealthconnection.substack.com/subscribe