MOTHERHOOD has never been a walk in the park, but in this multitasking world, one burden remains largely unspoken which is the mental load. This is not the physical work of cleaning, cooking or caring for children but more of the unseen labour that happens in the mind. It is the remembering, anticipating, planning and managing that many mothers carry quietly, constantly and often alone. The mental load can be as exhausting as any physical task. Yet, because it is invisible, it rarely gets the recognition it deserves.
What exactly is the mental load?
The mental load refers to the cognitive effort required to manage a household and family life. It is more than just doing daily tasks. To be more precise, keeping track of what needs to be done, when, how and by whom. It is the mental to-do list that never switches off. It is remembering to buy a gift for the school party, knowing that the fridge is nearly out of items, keeping track of which child prefers which snack and being the one to notice the shoes no longer fit. Even when mothers are not physically doing the task, they are usually the ones who have planned for it, organised it and made sure it gets done. This constant state of mental juggling can be overwhelming, and it often leaves little room for rest or personal time.
