International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and achievements of women. But beyond the visible successes, there’s something many of us don’t talk about enough—the invisible load.

What Is the Invisible Load?

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, exhausted, but your mind is still running through the endless to-do list? Did I send that email? When is the next parent-teacher meeting? What are we having for dinner tomorrow? This is the invisible load—the constant mental juggling act that so many women carry every single day.

It’s not just about completing tasks; it’s about being the one who remembers them in the first place. The one who anticipates needs before they arise. Even in households where responsibilities are shared, studies show that women are more likely to be the “default” planners—the ones keeping track of doctor’s appointments, organizing family schedules, remembering birthdays, and making sure everything runs smoothly. And let’s not forget the emotional labor—being the go-to for comfort, advice, and problem-solving.

The Impact on Mental Health

Carrying this invisible weight can be exhausting. It can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. Many of us feel that we have to “do it all” without showing signs of struggle. Society often praises women for being strong, but rarely do we hear, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

The truth is, no one can—or should—carry this much on their own. Yet, so many women feel guilty when they even consider asking for help. It’s as if admitting we’re overwhelmed means we’re failing. But that’s not true at all. Strength isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about knowing when to lean on others.

How Can We Lighten the Load?

If this resonates with you, know that there are ways to ease the burden. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Speak Up and Share the Load
   Have open, honest conversations with your partner, family, or colleagues. Many times, people don’t realize how much you’re managing behind the scenes. Ask for help, delegate tasks, and don’t feel guilty about it.
2. Prioritize Yourself (Yes, You!)
   Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Find small moments in the day just for you, whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, reading a book, taking a long bath, or simply stepping outside for fresh air. You deserve that time.
3. Let Go of Perfection
   Not everything has to be done perfectly. The laundry can wait, dinner doesn’t have to be elaborate, and it’s okay if the house isn’t spotless. Letting go of unrealistic expectations can free up mental space for what truly matters.
4. Build a Support System
   Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, surround yourself with people who lift you up. Having a safe space to talk about your struggles can be incredibly validating and relieving.
5. Celebrate Yourself
   You do so much every single day—take a moment to recognize that. Acknowledge your own hard work and resilience. You are not just surviving—you are thriving, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.

A Message of Empowerment

This International Women’s Day, let’s do more than just celebrate women’s achievements—let’s also acknowledge the invisible load so many of us carry. Let’s remind ourselves and each other that we don’t have to hold everything on our own.

So to every woman reading this: You are enough. You are seen. And you deserve support, rest, and joy—just as much as anyone else.

The Invisible Load: Recognizing and Releasing the Mental Burden Women Carry

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and achievements of women. But beyond the visible successes, there’s something many of us don’t talk about enough—the invisible load.

What Is the Invisible Load?

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, exhausted, but your mind is still running through the endless to-do list? Did I send that email? When is the next parent-teacher meeting? What are we having for dinner tomorrow? This is the invisible load—the constant mental juggling act that so many women carry every single day.

It’s not just about completing tasks; it’s about being the one who remembers them in the first place. The one who anticipates needs before they arise. Even in households where responsibilities are shared, studies show that women are more likely to be the “default” planners—the ones keeping track of doctor’s appointments, organizing family schedules, remembering birthdays, and making sure everything runs smoothly. And let’s not forget the emotional labor—being the go-to for comfort, advice, and problem-solving.

The Impact on Mental Health

Carrying this invisible weight can be exhausting. It can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. Many of us feel that we have to “do it all” without showing signs of struggle. Society often praises women for being strong, but rarely do we hear, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

The truth is, no one can—or should—carry this much on their own. Yet, so many women feel guilty when they even consider asking for help. It’s as if admitting we’re overwhelmed means we’re failing. But that’s not true at all. Strength isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about knowing when to lean on others.

How Can We Lighten the Load?

If this resonates with you, know that there are ways to ease the burden. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Speak Up and Share the Load
   Have open, honest conversations with your partner, family, or colleagues. Many times, people don’t realize how much you’re managing behind the scenes. Ask for help, delegate tasks, and don’t feel guilty about it.
2. Prioritize Yourself (Yes, You!)
   Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Find small moments in the day just for you, whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, reading a book, taking a long bath, or simply stepping outside for fresh air. You deserve that time.
3. Let Go of Perfection
   Not everything has to be done perfectly. The laundry can wait, dinner doesn’t have to be elaborate, and it’s okay if the house isn’t spotless. Letting go of unrealistic expectations can free up mental space for what truly matters.
4. Build a Support System
   Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, surround yourself with people who lift you up. Having a safe space to talk about your struggles can be incredibly validating and relieving.
5. Celebrate Yourself
   You do so much every single day—take a moment to recognize that. Acknowledge your own hard work and resilience. You are not just surviving—you are thriving, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.

A Message of Empowerment

This International Women’s Day, let’s do more than just celebrate women’s achievements—let’s also acknowledge the invisible load so many of us carry. Let’s remind ourselves and each other that we don’t have to hold everything on our own.

So to every woman reading this: You are enough. You are seen. And you deserve support, rest, and joy—just as much as anyone else.