Today host Hoda Kotb reveals she’s giving up ‘numbing’ habit so she can be a better mother

In a world where vulnerability is often masked behind the glossy surface of celebrity, Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb is once again setting a powerful example by revealing a deeply personal choice: giving up a long-held “numbing” habit in order to become a more present and intentional mother.

With her trademark warmth and honesty, Hoda recently shared that she’s making a major life shift—one rooted not in external pressure, but in the internal call of motherhood. Known to millions for her infectious energy, unwavering optimism, and heartfelt interviews, Kotb is now channeling that same energy inward, focusing on growth, clarity, and emotional availability for her two daughters, Haley and Hope.

A Moment of Clarity

The revelation came during a reflective moment on-air, where Kotb candidly spoke about reaching a point in her life where self-reflection became not just a luxury, but a necessity. As a single mother navigating the demands of a high-profile career and the unpredictable challenges of parenthood, she recognized a pattern in her own behavior—one that she describes as “numbing.”

Without specifying the exact habit—whether it was reaching for a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day, scrolling endlessly on her phone, or burying herself in work—Kotb admitted that it served as a temporary escape from stress and emotion. But over time, she realized the very thing she leaned on for comfort was creating distance between her and the people who mattered most: her daughters.

“I found myself checking out instead of checking in,” she shared. “And when I really looked at it, I realized that what I thought was helping me cope was actually robbing me of presence.”

The Cost of Disconnection

Parenthood is a constant balancing act. Between morning show deadlines and bedtime stories, Kotb found herself slipping into autopilot—going through the motions of life but not fully engaging in the emotional texture of her days. While she has always been known as a loving and hands-on mother, she recognized that being physically present was no longer enough. She wanted to be emotionally present too.

Experts have long warned about the subtle dangers of numbing behaviors. Whether it’s alcohol, overwork, screen time, or food, these habits can become mechanisms to avoid discomfort, sadness, or even joy. The cost? A diminished connection with ourselves and the people we love.

For Kotb, this realization was a wake-up call. “My daughters are growing fast,” she said. “I don’t want to miss the magic in the mundane. I don’t want to just ‘get through’ the day—I want to feel it.”

A New Chapter in Mindful Living

The decision to give up her numbing habit was not driven by guilt, but by a desire for greater fulfillment. Kotb spoke of her commitment to a more mindful life—one where emotions are felt fully, not brushed aside. “I want to sit with the hard stuff,” she explained. “I want to teach my girls that it’s okay to cry, to be still, to be uncomfortable. But I can’t teach them that unless I’m living it.”

She’s now incorporating practices into her daily routine that support this new intention. Meditation, journaling, more time outdoors, and conscious breaks from technology are some of the tools she’s using to stay grounded. But perhaps most important is her willingness to simply be—with her daughters, with her thoughts, and with her emotions.

Modeling Emotional Resilience

Kotb’s openness about her inner work is more than a personal confession—it’s a public service. In a media landscape often dominated by perfection and pretense, her honesty is a breath of fresh air. By acknowledging the allure of numbing and the courage it takes to face discomfort, she is modeling emotional resilience not just for her children, but for a generation of viewers.

“Kids don’t need perfect parents,” she said. “They need real ones. I want my girls to see me learning, growing, messing up, and getting back up again. That’s the kind of strength I want to pass on.”

The Power of Vulnerability

This isn’t the first time Kotb has allowed viewers a glimpse into her personal life. Her journey through cancer, adoption, heartbreak, and professional triumphs has been marked by a signature openness that has earned her admiration and trust. But this latest chapter feels particularly intimate—a reminder that even those who seem to have it all are constantly working on themselves.

Psychologists affirm that vulnerability is at the core of authentic human connection. By sharing her struggles and choices, Kotb creates space for others to reflect on their own habits and ask difficult questions: What am I using to escape? What am I afraid to feel? What would happen if I faced those feelings instead?

Inspiring a Collective Shift

The ripple effect of Kotb’s revelation is already being felt. Social media flooded with comments from parents, professionals, and fans who saw themselves in her story. Many expressed gratitude for her honesty and shared their own intentions to give up habits that no longer serve them.

“I’ve been reaching for my phone every time I feel anxious,” one follower wrote. “After hearing Hoda, I put it down and just sat with my thoughts. It was hard—but freeing.”

Another commented, “She makes me feel less alone. If someone as strong and successful as Hoda struggles with numbing, maybe it’s okay that I do too—and maybe I can change.”

Looking Ahead

Hoda Kotb’s choice is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it looks like quiet moments of courage—the decision to be still, to listen, to feel. In letting go of the habit that once dulled her emotions, she’s making room for a deeper connection to herself and her children.

And while the journey isn’t always easy, it’s one she’s embracing with open arms and an open heart.

“I’m not trying to be perfect,” she said with a smile. “I’m just trying to be present. That’s where the joy is.”