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ADHD, Burnout, and Job Searching? You’re Not Alone
A client with ADHD said something this week that really stuck with me: “Thanks heaps for today and your patience throughout!” It wasn’t just about resume edits or career strategy. It was about being seen and supported, especially when navigating ADHD, burnout, or the fog that so often comes with big career decisions. Because real talk? Coaching isn’t always linear. Especially when you’re battling executive dysfunction, self-doubt, or just plain overwhelm. Sometimes, what make

Merly Hartnett
May 29, 20251 min read


The Secret No One Tells Burnt-Out Mums About Their Brain
When you’re running on caffeine, chaos, and a half-eaten snack, your brain isn’t broken, it’s in survival mode. In fight, flight, or freeze, your emotional brain hijacks logic, making it hard to think clearly or respond calmly. But you’re not stuck there. Reframing, a simple mental shift can interrupt the stress loop and bring your logical brain back online. Even noticing one small good thing, like “I drank water today,” can build resilience and shift your state.

Merly Hartnett
Apr 22, 20254 min read


No Time for the Gym? Here’s How I’m Moving Anyway
We all know that our feelings can influence how we move. When you're sad or tired, you probably slow down. When you're anxious, you might either rush around or freeze altogether. But here’s what’s often overlooked: The connection between your brain and your body is a two-way street. That means your movement can actually influence how you feel, too. Yep, your body can help shift your mind. Why Movement Matters Your brain may be the master controller of your body, but the way y

Merly Hartnett
Apr 15, 20253 min read


The One Thing I Will Now Do Before My Morning Walks
Discover the morning routine tweak that helps busy mums lower cortisol and feel energised again.

Merly Hartnett
Apr 8, 20252 min read


The Netflix Trap: Why “Just One More Episode” Is Draining Your Energy
Feeling mentally drained by the end of the day? Decision fatigue is real! Here’s why it happens and how to reclaim your energy.

Merly Hartnett
Mar 30, 20254 min read


Workplace Bullying and the Bystander Effect: Why Good People Stay Quiet
I've been working with a client who has been dealing with workplace bullying and harassment, and let me tell you, it’s heartbreaking. But here’s the thing: the biggest issue isn’t just the bully. It’s the colleagues who see what’s happening and choose to stay silent, hoping to avoid becoming the next target. The reality? When bystanders ignore workplace bullying, they become part of the problem. Left unchecked, bullying doesn’t just harm the direct victim, it seeps into the

Merly Hartnett
Mar 22, 20253 min read


Toxic Work Environments: What to Do When You’re Facing Workplace Bullying
Lately, I’ve been reading The Resilience Project, a book that explores how empathy, gratitude, and mindfulness can help us build emotional strength. One of the most powerful takeaways is how people in difficult circumstances often display incredible resilience and joy. It got me thinking about why, despite all our modern comforts, are mental health struggles on the rise, especially in the workplace. In my work, I see firsthand how workplace bullying fuels burnout and psycholo

Merly Hartnett
Mar 17, 20254 min read


Feeling Off After the Storm? It’s Okay to Take a Breath
It’s been a week since ex-Cyclone Alfred swept through QLD, and while we (family and I) didn’t face as much damage this time around as we did a few years ago when the tornado hit, it doesn’t mean the emotional impact isn’t real or significant. Even when you’re prepared, it can still take a toll on your mental wellbeing especially when you're balancing work and motherhood. We lost power for four days, and I tried to laugh it off as a “first-world problem,” reminding myself how

Merly Hartnett
Mar 13, 20252 min read


Breaking the Busy Cycle: How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels, Recover from Burnout, and Start Moving Toward Your Potential
Anyone else here a fan of James Clear? If you’ve read Atomic Habits, you know he’s got a knack for making personal growth sound simple (and somehow, like you should’ve figured it out yourself already). I’ve been subscribed to his emails ever since I listened to the audiobook last year, and in a recent one, he listed a few common ways people hold themselves back from reaching their potential. Here’s what made the list: Lacking the courage to try Trying to please everyone Imita

Merly Hartnett
Mar 10, 20253 min read


Cyclone Alfred and Your Mental Wellbeing: Finding Calm in the Chaos
Right now, Queensland and Northern NSW are bracing for Cyclone Alfred. The storm is moving slowly (which isn't necessarily a good thing!), I’m already seeing changes, grey skies, howling winds, and an underlying sense of uncertainty from my office window. Just two days ago, when my friend Tina first checked in to see if I was okay, the sky was a clear and beautiful blue. It’s fascinating to see how people react differently in times like this. Some are panic-buying, while othe

Merly Hartnett
Mar 6, 20253 min read


Juggling Career and Health: A Client’s Journey with Cancer Treatment and Stress Management
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been working with a client on her career journey. She's a strong, determined individual, and we’ve been making great progress. But there’s been one thing that’s been weighing on me. During our time working together, she’s had to take weeks off work and cancel meetings with me. From the start, I’ve always said that her health comes first and that she should focus on recovery. It's something I truly believe, and I want the best for her both

Merly Hartnett
Mar 1, 20253 min read


When Healing Feels Hard: Exploring Why We Resist Moving On
When I think about the clients I’ve worked with, so many of them have faced tough challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or adjustment disorders. What amazes me is how often I see them push through and find ways to move forward. But sometimes, despite all their effort, they stay stuck, as if something deep down is resisting the healing process. Over the years, I’ve noticed some common reasons why this happens, and I want to share them with you. Maybe these insights will h

Merly Hartnett
Feb 20, 20252 min read


The Art of Mindfulness Working from Home
Feeling overwhelmed? Lacking energy? Let’s talk about mindfulness for your busy work days. If you’re anything like me, juggling work, kids, and everything in between, you might feel like there’s never enough time (or energy!) to get through it all. But here’s the thing, mindfulness doesn’t have to be another item on your never-ending to-do list. Think of it as tiny tweaks to your day that help you feel calmer, more focused, and maybe even a little more human. Here’s how you c

Merly Hartnett
Feb 16, 20253 min read


Feeling Drained? Let’s Talk About Toxic Workplaces
Have you ever left work feeling absolutely wiped out, not because of the tasks but because of the people? If that resonates, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about something that could be quietly draining your energy, toxic workplace behaviour. Simon Sinek, in his eye-opening video about toxic people at work, explains how trust outweighs performance when building great teams. The Navy SEALs, for instance, won’t pick someone who’s a high performer but low on trust. Why? Because to

Merly Hartnett
Feb 15, 20252 min read


Making Time for What Truly Matters: Lessons from Muddy Adventures and Scroll Holes
This is a photo of my son last year. He was outside having the time of his life playing in the mud. He was fully immersed in the moment, laughing, creating, and just being. It got me thinking: When was the last time I felt that free and present? When was the last time you did? As busy mums, life often feels like an endless to-do list, work deadlines, school runs, meals to cook, and the million other responsibilities pulling at us. It’s easy to feel like there’s not enough tim

Merly Hartnett
Feb 14, 20253 min read


Juggling Work, Study, and Motherhood: How to Make It Work Without Burning Out
Being a working mum is a full-time job in itself. Add full-time study into the mix, and suddenly, life feels a little chaotic. If you’re in the trenches, trying to balance a career, motherhood, and education, you’re not alone. This post is for you. While I’m nearing the end of my study commitments, I’m right there with you. Here’s what’s helping me stay sane (most of the time!): Accept That Balance Is a Myth Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as perfect balance. If you be

Merly Hartnett
Feb 14, 20253 min read


Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage: A Guide for Mums Seeking Meaningful Change
First of all, let me just say this, you’ve already taken a huge step by being here. Recognising the patterns that hold us back is not easy, but it’s the first step toward breaking free from chronic stress and burnout. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure why your efforts to create change keep falling short, you’re not alone. Many of the women I work with feel the same way, juggling work, family, and the expectations they place on themselves can feel like trying t

Merly Hartnett
Feb 7, 20253 min read


Hey Mum, Are You the Frog in the Pot?
Have you ever heard the story about the frog that was slowly boiled to death? It’s not just a chilling metaphor, it’s a powerful reminder of how we adapt to stress without even realising the damage it’s causing. Now, let me ask you this: have you noticed any of these symptoms in the past week? Feeling constantly stressed or on edge, like you're stuck in "fight or flight" mode? Struggling with your body shape or size despite eating well and exercising? Craving sugar or carbs m

Merly Hartnett
Feb 1, 20252 min read
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