Your End of Summer Check-In

Hello everyone!

I hope you’ve had a chance to savor the final days of summer. As we move into the shift of the season, many of us feel the pull of change—whether it’s preparing for an upcoming transition, settling into a new routine, or or just observing the natural shift that comes with this time of year.

This month, we’re exploring ways to navigate these changes with intention and self-compassion, from checking in on our mental health and managing decision fatigue to reflecting on relationships and what we can learn from them.

Wishing you a lovely rest of your summer!

Warmly,

Mandy

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
Feeling Decision Fatigue?

Have you ever had so much to do that you feel frozen by all the decisions, and end up avoiding everything altogether? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Decision fatigue happens when making choices drains your mental energy, leaving you overwhelmed and stuck. As the number of decisions increases, it becomes harder to choose, leading to overthinking and paralysis. Often, this is fueled by anxiety about making the “wrong” choice or a lack of self-trust.

If this sounds familiar, here are some strategies to ease decision fatigue:

• Set Limits: Restrict the time you spend on less important choices. A simple timer can keep you from overthinking minor decisions.

• Simplify Choices: Reduce your options by planning ahead or grouping similar decisions together.

• Create Routines: Routines for daily tasks help cut down on unnecessary choices and free up mental space for bigger decisions.

• Rank and Prioritize: Start with the most urgent or important choices and tackle the rest later.

• Take Breaks: Stepping away helps reset your mind and manage emotions before tough decisions.

• Delegate When You Can: You don’t have to do it all. Passing off smaller decisions can lighten your load.

MEDIA
Love and Attachment: Insights from Taylor & Travis’s Engagement

Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, it’s hard to deny the cultural impact Taylor Swift has had—and the internet collectively freaked out when she and Travis Kelce announced their engagement on Tuesday. As someone who grew up with her music, I’ll admit I was just as excited.

But beyond the excitement, I love using media and pop culture moments like this to reflect on our own human experiences. As a therapist, I see these moments as opportunities to explore bigger themes—like love, attachment, and what it means to build a healthy relationship.

1. Secure Attachment: Their relationship seems rooted in trust and security. They celebrate each other’s wins and appear comfortable with each other’s independence, which shows how a secure attachment creates space for both partners to thrive. This balance of closeness and autonomy is often a sign of strong, lasting relationships.

2. Support in Each Other’s Careers: Whether it’s Travis attending her concerts or Taylor cheering him on at games, they model how valuable it is to be your partner’s biggest supporter. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s passions highlight the importance of showing up for one another, both in public and behind the scenes.

3. Strong Connection & Vulnerability: At its core, their bond seems playful and genuine. Strong connections often grow from shared values, mutual respect, and the ability to enjoy each other’s company in both big and quiet moments. On the New Heights podcast, they shared the normal things they like to do together at home. They also seem unafraid to be open and vulnerable with their emotions, which can deepen intimacy. That mix of honesty and playfulness helps relationships feel safe.

4. Boundaries: Even while being in the spotlight, they maintain healthy boundaries with their public and private lives. On the podcast, Taylor discussed her intentional absence from social media, sharing: “Think of your energy as if it’s expensive, like a luxury item. Not everyone can afford it. Not everyone is invested enough for you to have the capital to care about it.” Protecting your energy and setting limits is an act of self-care that strengthens both individuality and the relationship.

5. Values: Their relationship also seems grounded in shared values—family, passion, and dedication to their crafts. Aligning on core values creates a strong foundation. When partners have a shared sense of purpose and priorities, it can guide them through challenges and keep them connected through life’s transitions.

6. Knowing Your Worth & Not Settling: Taylor has been open in her music about heartbreak, growth, and holding out for a love that feels right. Her relationship with Travis reflects the idea that it’s worth waiting for a partner who meets you where you are, values you fully, and shares your vision for life. It’s a reminder that knowing your worth and not settling can lead to a relationship where your light is celebrated, not dimmed, to make someone else comfortable.

LISTEN
🎙️ The Science of Emotions: How Your Brain Predicts Your Feelings with Lisa Feldman Barrett

In this episode of The One You Feed, host Eric Zimmer sits down with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, who explains the science of emotions and why they are not hardwired. She also highlights the important role physical health plays in emotional regulation. Listen here.

Today’s Affirmation

RESOURCES
Books

• How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett

• Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love by Amir Levine, M.D. and Rachel S.F. Heller, M.A.

If you're in Maryland or DC and looking to discuss therapy options, you can find me at Mindful Therapy Collective.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and it is not a replacement for individualized therapy.