In the past few months, the term "mental load" has spread like wildfire through social media feeds and news headlines, shedding focus on the job that many working mothers do on a daily basis that is both invisible and relentless. Innumerable women who find themselves juggling employment, household responsibilities, or family obligations with varied degrees of support discover that this idea strikes a chord with them on a profound level.
The mental load is defined as the hidden labour of managing a household and family. It includes not just the tangible chores such as dishes or washing, but also the planning, organising, and anticipating that takes place behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs well. This mental load begins within your head. The phenomena of invisible work is not even close to being a new one, despite the fact that many of us are just now becoming aware of what the label is behind all of the invisible work.
One way to gain insight into the prevalence of this situation is through a study that was carried out by SoFi among mom entrepreneurs. Surprisingly, 37 percent of respondents stated that they were the only person in their household who was responsible for carrying the mental load, while 35 percent stated that they and the other adult in their household shared the burden equally. As a result of these findings, the considerable burden that many working mothers face is brought into sharper focus. Frequently, they do not receive recognition or relief.
It is crucial for individuals who are navigating the intricacies of the mental load to recognise that it is normal to not have everything and to prioritise self-care in the middle of the stress. The following are five ways that can assist working mothers in managing stress and maintaining a sense of equilibrium in their lives:
It is important to recognise that you do not have to handle everything on your own and to collaborate with others. Encourage your partner, children, and even members of your extended family to participate in the decision-making process and household chores. In order to ensure that the mental strain is spread more equitably, it is important to establish transparent roles and responsibilities. You may lessen your load and develop a sense of teamwork within your family by dividing up the responsibilities that you should be doing.
1. Establish Boundaries: Get used to saying "no" and put your own health and happiness first. Despite the fact that it is simple to give in to the pressure to accomplish everything, overcommitting oneself will only result in exhaustion.
2. Determine the things that are non-negotiable for you, and then focus your time and energy on those things. Keeping in mind that self-care is not an act of selfishness but rather an investment in your mental and emotional well-being is essential. This applies to both where you are at home and where you are working.
3. The practice of mindfulness involves employing several approaches in order to take control of stress and remain present in the moment. Discover for yourself what works best for you, whether it be meditation, activities that include deep breathing, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on yourself. You are able to reduce anxiety about the future and find peace in the here and now if you give yourself permission to anchor yourself in the present moment.
4. In times of need, do not be afraid to rely on the support network you have established for yourself. It is important to reach out to people who can provide you with empathy, advice, or simply an ear to listen, such as friends, family members, or other working mothers. For situations in which you require more flexibility than usual to deal with personal or family concerns, you should rely on your coworkers or leaders at your place of employment. Sharing your stories can help develop a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, and you should know that you are not the only one going through the challenges that you are.
5. Reframe the Way You Think... Take on the expectations of society and rethink what it means to be successful on your own terms. If you are a mother, you could become subject to criticism or scepticism from other people if you pursue professional ambitions that are not related to the care and upbringing of your family. This is a harsh reality for many people, according to the same poll conducted by SoFi, which found that more than sixty percent of mompreneurs feel that their friends judge them for pursuing entrepreneurial aspirations. It is important to keep in mind that you are capable of achieving both professional success and personal fulfilment, and you should not allow anyone else to dictate your worth or the objectives that you should prioritise.
One facet of the lives of many working mothers that is common but frequently ignored is the mental weight that they carry. In spite of the fact that navigating its complexities might be difficult, it is essential to make self-care a priority, actively seek help, and redefine success according to your own standards. Regaining a sense of equilibrium in your life and reducing the burden of stress can be accomplished by using ways to manage stress and transfer duties. It is important to keep in mind that it is acceptable to not have everything and to offer one hundred percent in multiple aspects of your life at the same time. It is more than sufficient that you are doing the best that you are capable of doing.
