Most women know this feeling well - you’re lying down at night but your mind is still awake, refusing to switch off.. running through the next day’s to-do list, remembering what needs to be done, replaying conversations, worrying about missing something important.
This is the Invisible Load that women carry every day. Not just the phyisical work they do, but the constant mental work of planning, anticipating, remembering, and holding it all together. And while it often goes unseen, its impact is very real. Over time, this hidden weight can lead to exhaustion, irritability and burnout. No wonder if it manifests in physiological form as well.
Why Does It Feel So Heavy?
Carrying this invisible load can feel suffocating at times. Your body may be sitting still, but your mind is on overdrive. It’s tiring because there are no breaks. It’s lonely because others don’t always notice how much you’re holding. It feels unfair because while responsibilities are shared on paper, the “thinking work” is often yours alone.
If you’ve felt irritable, burnt out, or secretly wished someone else would just “think” for once - you’re not alone. This doesn’t mean you’re failing. It simply means you’ve been carrying more than anyone can see.
Tiny Practices That Help
None of these erase the invisible load completely, but they can soften it. Think of them as little breathing spaces on a crowded day.
A notebook or phone note can be your brain’s best friend. Once it’s written, your mind doesn’t need to carry the weight of remembering.
Lay out clothes, prep meals, or pack bags the night before - it saves you from decision fatigue when you’ve barely opened your eyes. But beyond tasks, give yourself a few quiet minutes before the day rushes in.
Let Others Think Too
Instead of only asking for help with doing, ask family to share in the remembering. Passing on the mental responsibility is just as important.
Create a Small Pause Just for You
Ten minutes with music, a cup of chai, a short walk, or even just lying down with eyes closed. A pause signals to your body that it’s allowed to rest.
Practice Saying No Gently
You don’t owe a yes to everything. Boundaries protect your energy. Do not feel bad for saying No. Choosing yourself is an option too.
Notice What You Did Manage
Instead of staring at the never-ending list, acknowledge the three things you got through today. Small self-appreciation adds up.
Treat Rest as Fuel
Whether it’s an early night, a 15-minute nap, or switching off your phone after dinner - rest isn’t something you “earn”. It’s what keeps you going.
A Gentle Reminder
The invisible load may never fully go away, but it doesn’t have to weigh so heavily. The more we name it, the more we remind ourselves and those around us that carrying it alone is neither fair nor sustainable.
And if you need to hear it today: you’re not weak for feeling tired. You’re strong for holding so much. But even strong women deserve to put the load down sometimes.
