132. Drowning in family chaos? Here's what actually helps.
Wed Feb 04 2026
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If your home feels endlessly chaotic — toys everywhere, dishes piling up, laundry that never ends — and it leaves you feeling overstimulated, irritable, or ashamed, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down why this experience has nothing to do with personal failure or not “handling it well enough,” and everything to do with how your nervous system responds to visual clutter, mental load, and chronic overstimulation. We’ll look at the neuroscience behind why mess feels so overwhelming (especially for moms), why your partner may genuinely experience the same space differently, and how your thoughts about the mess can either intensify shame or create relief. I’ll also walk you through practical, compassionate steps to protect your nervous system — without chasing perfection or tying your worth to clean countertops.
If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:
https://leighgermann.com
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Send us a text If your home feels endlessly chaotic — toys everywhere, dishes piling up, laundry that never ends — and it leaves you feeling overstimulated, irritable, or ashamed, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down why this experience has nothing to do with personal failure or not “handling it well enough,” and everything to do with how your nervous system responds to visual clutter, mental load, and chronic overstimulation. We’ll look at the neuroscience behind why mess feels so overwhelming (especially for moms), why your partner may genuinely experience the same space differently, and how your thoughts about the mess can either intensify shame or create relief. I’ll also walk you through practical, compassionate steps to protect your nervous system — without chasing perfection or tying your worth to clean countertops. If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com