As a mum who is also running a business, you may have heard the term ‘mental load’ being thrown around. But what exactly is it and how can you manage it?

Mental load

The mental load refers to the invisible, yet constant, burden that women often carry in their minds. This includes tasks such as remembering to buy groceries, schedule doctor’s appointments, and plan for school events. It also includes the mental effort of organising, delegating and ensuring that everything runs smoothly in the household. This load can be overwhelming, especially when combined with the demands of running a business.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges of the mental load is that it is often invisible to others. Your partner, friends or clients may not realise the extent of what you are juggling, and may not understand why you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.

Communicate

One of the most important things you can do is to have open and honest communication with your partner, family and friends about the mental load. Talk about the tasks that need to be done and come up with a plan to divide and conquer.

Self-care

Prioritise self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for managing the mental load. Make sure to take time for yourself, whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness.

Delegate

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Delegate tasks to other family members, or outsource some of your business tasks if possible.

Lists

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done and prioritise them. This will help you stay organised and focused.

Learn to say no

Saying no to things that aren’t a priority or that you don’t have the capacity to take on can be difficult, but it’s important for managing the mental load.

It’s important to remember that the mental load is a valid issue that affects many mums in business. By recognising it, communicating about it and taking steps to manage it, you can reduce stress and increase your overall wellbeing.

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