If you seek a movie that makes you laugh, cry, and feel better about the world, you *have* to put Las Tres Sisters on your to-watch list. It’s the story of three estranged sisters who reunite to take their beloved grandmother’s pilgrimate through rural Mexico. It’s the culmination of nine years of work for co-writer and co-producer Marta Méndez Cross, who plays Maria in the film. Here, she shares her own wellness journey—and explains why family is such a big part of it.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
The first thing I do when I wake up is roll over and kiss my boys—5 and 9—who’ve somehow ended up in our bed. Again. Every night they sneak in, like tiny ninjas in Pokémon pajamas, and honestly… I kinda love it. Sure, I wake up half-hanging off the mattress or catching a stray kick to the ribs, but I know these days are precious and will only last so long. So, for now, I’m soaking it all in. Then, before my brain can start spiraling into the day’s to-do list, I think of three things I’m grateful for. It’s a little trick a therapist gave me to quiet the chaos in my head—and it works. Most days. Unless someone wakes up and says, “Mom! I’m hungry! What’s for breakfast?”
How has your upbringing and environment shaped your understanding of wellness and/or mental health?
I grew up in a matriarchal family where wellness wasn’t just a practice—it was a way of life. The women in my family were our guides, passing down knowledge and rituals for taking care of ourselves, even though my Tito (grandfather) was the homeopathic doctor. My mother and five aunts have all navigated anxiety and depression, and over the years, they’ve shared anything that’s helped them. Of course, it took me a while to embrace their tools—I had to find my own way first.
I grew up in a matriarchal family where wellness wasn’t just a practice—it was a way of life.
I recently read that loneliness is an epidemic in this country, and I realized how deeply grateful I am that my family has always made sure we are never alone. Their focus on mental health, spiritual well-being, and community shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I was older and starting my own family. I knew then, I had to take my wellness seriously. Through my family’s constant reminders and check-ins, I found what worked best for me.
Wellness, for us, is a community effort. When one of us falls off the wagon—whether it’s neglecting self-care, skipping movement, or just feeling out of balance—we check in. We remind each other to move, to nourish ourselves, to try the latest supplement or shake that’s helping someone in the family. It’s not just about health; it’s about showing up for each other. And for that, I’m especially grateful to my mother. She always seems to know when I need a wellness check in.
What makes you feel your best?
Honestly… sleep. Glorious, uninterrupted sleep.
As a mom of two young boys, downtime is rare and actual rest? Even rarer. But if I manage to get a solid 8 to 10 hours, I swear—I feel unstoppable. Like, superhero-level energy.
After years of running on fumes (because new parenthood is basically one long sleep deprivation experiment), you realize just how life-changing real sleep is. My brain works better, my body feels better, I’m more patient, and I show up as a better mom—and a better creative. Turns out, sleep really is the secret weapon. Who knew?
What has been the hardest part of your wellness journey—and how do you deal with it?
Staying balanced and eating healthy. Did I just name two? Well, they’re equally challenging, so they get to share first place.
Sometimes, survival is self-care too.
I have a habit of thinking I can do it all… and most days, I try. I want to direct, write, act, produce, volunteer for the PTA, plan my friends’ birthday parties, and still take my kids to Disneyland like it’s no big deal. But something always has to give—and more often than not, it’s my own wellness. When I overcommit (which is often), the first things to disappear are exercise, meditation, proper meals, and sleep.
One thing that’s helped—especially during the busiest seasons, like promoting my latest film Las Tres Sisters or juggling press—is leaning on a local meal delivery service. A fellow mom friend who’s also a nutritionist offers affordable, healthy meal plans, and honestly… it’s been a game changer. Having ready-to-go meals means one less thing to worry about, and it helps me stay on track when life feels like a sprint. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress—and sometimes, survival is self-care too.
What is something you would like to see more of in the wellness world?
I truly believe if more people opened up about their mental health struggles and allowed themselves to lean into community, we’d see real change—not just individually, but as a society. Wellness isn’t just about green juice and workouts… it’s about taking care of our minds, too. The more we normalize those conversations, the stronger we all get—together.
What is a must-have step or product in your routine?
Stretching! I tend to sit for long periods because most recently, I’ve been hired to write more screenplays. I take breaks every hour to stretch. I literally set a timer. If not, I notice my neck, shoulders, lower back… everything gets stiff. Stretching wakes me up, too!
How do you define ‘healthy’?
Balance… balance where I expand my energy. Balanced meal. Balance between work and personal life. Balance with kids and marriage. Balance = less stress = happy = healthier.
What is something you look forward to every day?
Coffee! I’m Costa Rican, so loving coffee is basically in my DNA. That first cup in the morning? Pure joy. And if you offer me a cup of coffee… I love you! Coffee is my love language.
How do you reset yourself after a difficult moment?
Therapy. I’ve been with my therapist for 15 years, so we’ve built the kind of relationship where I can reach out when I really need a reset. If something hits hard, I’ll text her and see if she has time for a quick 15-30 minute session—just enough to get grounded again. I don’t use it often, but when I do, it’s a lifeline.
If it’s something I can work through on my own, I turn to prayer. For me, prayer feels a lot like meditation—it helps me refocus my mind and let the big feelings pass. It gives me the space to reset, breathe, and come back to whatever I’m facing with a clearer head.
What is a ritual that brings you joy?
Dancing!!! When I’m excited, I love to put on a favorite song like, “Esta Vida” or “Africa” by Toto and feel the vibration of that high energy to its fullest. If I’m nervous, my friends know I like to dance it out and soon I’m in that joy vibration.
What is the last thing you do at night?
I kiss my boys good night and list three things I’m grateful for. It’s my way of closing the day—full circle, no matter how crazy it was.