For all moms, but especially for those who are running a business, the concept of ‘mental load’ is often an everyday reality, albeit an invisible one. There is a good chance that you know you have a lot going on and you know that you are feeling overwhelmed, but you have never actually labeled this feeling before.
The term mental load encompasses the constant juggling and balancing act of household management, parenting responsibilities, and the myriad demands of running a business. Unlike physical tasks, the mental load involves the planning, organizing, decision-making, and problem-solving that is constantly working in the background of your daily life and work. I like to call myself the “logistics coordinator” of my family.
The thoughts running through your brain can get so overwhelming at times that it can significantly impact both personal well-being and business efficiency. And yet it is something we rarely discuss. So, in this blog post, we will dive deep into what mental load really means for moms and mompreneurs, how it affects their health and business operations, and most importantly, provide actionable strategies to manage this often overwhelming aspect of their lives.
Explaining the Mental Load
Definition and Components
Can you feel this statement?
It feels like I have dozens of tabs open in my brain at all times, each representing an unfinished task or an upcoming decision.
This is your mental load.
The term “mental load” refers to the planning, management, and coordination required to run a household and/or a business. Not only is it about keeping track of tasks; it also involves anticipating the needs of family and business, preparing for future events, and constantly making adjustments to plans as circumstances change. This includes everything from remembering to pay bills and scheduling doctor’s appointments to managing client deadlines and preparing business presentations.
The Invisible Nature of Mental Load
One of the biggest challenges with mental load is that no one sees how much work you are actually doing up in that big brain of yours. This kind of work does not produce immediate, tangible results like vacuuming, washing dishes or writing a blog post. Since planning and organizing are not easily seen or measured, the effort and time they require is usually overlooked. This can lead to a lack of appreciation and understanding from others, who may not fully grasp the mental and emotional energy these tasks require. When this happens it leads to feeling unappreciated and undervalued in which case we might end up taking on more and more tasks to prove to others that we are working hard and pulling our weight. This is a vicious cycle that is far from healthy.
Triggers
There are certain situations or periods in life that can really pile more onto your brain than was already there to begin with. For example, school holidays or major family events often increase the demands on your time and energy, leaving less room for managing your business effectively which can be incredibly frustrating if all you want to do is be more productive and profitable in your business. Similarly, during peak business periods—such as product launches, tax season, or client deadlines—might cause you to lose sight of all your family obligations that are going on.
Personal crises, such as illness in the family or financial stress, can also act as significant trigger points. These events add additional layers of responsibility and emotional strain, further taxing your mental resources.
The important thing to do is to begin to identify your symptoms and understand what triggers you and increases your overwhelm. This awareness is the first step toward taking action to manage the mental load more effectively and prevent it from becoming debilitating. Recognizing when you have too much on your plate allows you to make necessary adjustments—whether that’s delegating tasks, setting firmer boundaries, or simply taking a well-deserved break.
Strategies for Managing Mental Load
Recognizing and making this invisible work visible is an important step toward effectively managing it. By acknowledging the components and challenges of the mental load, moms can develop strategies to reduce the burden and share responsibilities more equitably, which is crucial for maintaining both personal well-being and the health of their business and family life.
Here are some practical strategies that can help lighten the burden and create a more balanced and manageable routine.
Brain Dump
Using a brain dump list can significantly ease the mental load by allowing you to clear your mind of all the thoughts, tasks, and worries that are cluttering it. By writing everything down in one place, you free up mental space and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. This practice helps you organize your thoughts, prioritize tasks, and tackle what’s truly important, making it easier to manage both personal and professional responsibilities without the constant mental clutter. If you get it down on the paper then there is no need for it to stay swimming around in your brain.
Prioritization and Delegation
Managing your mental strain effectively starts with prioritization—identify the most critical tasks and focus on those first, categorizing them by urgency and importance (like using a Eisenhower matrix) . Let go of non-essential responsibilities and delegate whenever possible.
Outsource tasks that are time-consuming or outside your expertise, like bookkeeping or social media management. By sharing the load, you free up mental space to concentrate on the higher-level tasks that truly need your attention.
Tools and Systems
Utilizing tools and systems can significantly reduce the mental load by automating or streamlining tasks. Digital planners and project management apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist can help you organize your tasks, set reminders, and track progress, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. These tools allow you to offload mental tasks onto a reliable system, reducing the need to keep everything in your head.
Time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, can also be beneficial. By breaking your work into focused intervals with scheduled breaks, you maintain productivity without overwhelming yourself. Additionally, setting up routines and checklists for recurring tasks can save mental energy by reducing decision fatigue.
Mindfulness and Self-Care
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help you manage stress and stay grounded amidst the chaos. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to focus on the present, can help reduce the mental clutter and provide clarity.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s seeking advice on a business decision, getting help with childcare, or simply talking through your stress with someone who understands, reaching out to your support network can help lighten your mental load.
Additionally, consider joining online communities or local groups where you can connect with other mompreneurs facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and solutions with peers can provide valuable insights and remind you that you’re not alone in your journey.
Addressing the constant influx of thoughts running through your brain isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about empowering yourself to thrive in every aspect of your life. Being able to recognize when your mental load becomes overwhelming and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling daily routine.
I hope this post helps you realize that this is a very real thing and that you aren’t going crazy! We have to deal with so much all the time that sometimes we just want to throw our hands in the air and give up, but don’t. You got this. And if you don’t, feel free to reach out to me:)
