Meet Ellin, our new contributor! Ellin Gurvitch is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Nutrition and Performance Coach dedicated to empowering ambitious high achievers to unlock their full potential and achieve mental and physical balance. Specializing in high-stress careers and performance- driven environments, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sport and Performance Psychology, and holistic wellness to deliver transformative results.
Here, she’s taking us on a journey toward her own mental fitness and the ways she helps clients on their journeys. More tips to come from Ellin in this series so stay tuned!
A few years ago, I found myself standing in the middle of a gym class, gripping a barbell, heart pounding. I was the only woman in the room. The guys next to me were loading up their weights, chatting about their PRs, while I was just trying to convince myself I belonged there.
That day, I almost walked out. But I didn’t. I stayed, finished the workout, and left feeling something I hadn’t expected—strong, not just physically, but mentally.
That moment stuck with me because it wasn’t just about lifting weights. It was about pushing through discomfort, proving to myself that I could do hard things. And over time, I realized that the resilience I was building in the gym was showing up in other parts of my life—having tough conversations, navigating career shifts, and working through moments of self-doubt.
And that’s exactly why mental fitness is so powerful. It’s not just about performance—it’s about how you show up for yourself in every aspect of your life.
What Is Mental Fitness?
Mental fitness is just like physical fitness—it’s about strengthening your mind to handle stress, overcome challenges, and perform at your best, no matter what life throws at you. It’s not just about managing anxiety or burnout; it’s about building the mental tools and strategies that allow you to thrive.
Think of your mind as a muscle. When you work it consistently—through practices like mindfulness, visualization, and mindset shifts—you develop resilience, clarity, and focus. These are the building blocks of success in any area of life.
What Is Performance Coaching?
Performance coaching takes mental fitness to the next level. It’s about helping you achieve specific goals, whether they’re related to your career, athletic performance, or personal growth. Coaching isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about learning how to navigate the moments in the present moment when motivation is low, self-doubt creeps in, or life throws unexpected challenges your way.
Mental Fitness for Busy Moms and Women
Life as a mom is a constant balancing act. Between managing work, keeping up with household responsibilities, chasing after little ones, and trying to carve out even five minutes of peace, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. You give so much to everyone else—your kids, your partner, your career—but when was the last time you poured into yourself?
That’s where mental fitness comes in. It’s not just about handling stress—it’s about building the resilience, confidence, and energy to show up as the best version of yourself, both for you and your family.
Little Ways to Build Mental Fitness Right Now
Mental Resilience: Handling the Chaos with Confidence
Motherhood throws challenges at you constantly—whether it’s navigating sleep regressions, tackling the mental load of family life, managing a career, or simply trying to be everything for everyone. Some days, it feels like there’s no room for you in the equation.
Together, we’ll build your mental resilience so you can approach these challenges with confidence and composure. I’ll help you reframe negative thoughts, manage the overwhelm, and create practical strategies to bounce back stronger—even on the days when you feel like you’re barely holding it together.
Optimizing Performance: Because Moms Are High Performers Too
Whether you’re managing a demanding job, training for a half marathon, or just trying to juggle a million responsibilities without losing your sanity, performance matters.
We’ll work on setting clear, achievable goals—whether that’s reclaiming time for yourself, finding a sustainable work-life balance, or pushing through the moments when motivation feels nonexistent. It’s normal to feel stuck or discouraged, especially during major transitions like returning to work after maternity leave or adjusting to life with older kids. I’ll help you understand these emotions, shift your mindset, and reignite your inner drive—so you can show up fully for yourself and your family.
“It is important to build flexible routines that work in both the calm and the chaos.”
Building Healthy Routines: Finding What Works for YOU
Let’s be real—moms don’t have the luxury of a rigid morning routine with an hour of meditation and a slow cup of coffee. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build habits that support your mental and physical well-being.
You can create realistic, sustainable routines that align with your goals—whether that’s carving out short but effective self-care practices, managing stress, or finding small moments in your day to recharge. It is important to build flexible routines that work in both the calm and the chaos.
Mindset Shifts for Success: Letting Go of Mom Guilt & Perfectionism
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, I’m not doing enough. I should be able to handle this better. Other moms seem to have it all together.
You can change that narrative. You can tackle those inner voices of doubt and replace them with empowering thoughts. You can learn to shift from I can’t to I will—not through sheer willpower, but through practical mindset strategies that help you embrace growth, change, and self-compassion.
No, It’s Not Just You
If you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’ve lost a part of yourself in the midst of motherhood—you’re not alone. I work with so many women who are navigating these same struggles: adjusting to life as a new mom, shifting careers, rediscovering their confidence, and learning how to take care of themselves again.
And I get it, because I’ve been there too.
The good news? The mindset you build in one area of your life—whether it’s setting boundaries, prioritizing your health, or finding balance—can transform everything.
Want more from Ellin? Stay tuned for another new feature next week!
