Why Modern Women Are Burnt Out, Disconnected, and Still Pushing Through
- Melanie Grime RHN
- May 1
- 2 min read

You know that feeling when your head hits the pillow… but your brain keeps going?
That quiet panic as the mental checklist runs on a loop:
Did I reply to that school email?
We’re almost out of milk.
Don’t forget your mum’s appointment next week.
I should check in on how everyone’s feeling too...
If this sounds familiar, you’re not just "busy."You’re carrying something heavier — the invisible load.
What Is the Invisible Load?
It’s the mental and emotional labour that keeps life moving - the behind-the-scenes work no one sees, but everyone relies on.
It looks like:
Remembering birthdays
Anticipating everyone’s needs
Managing the family calendar
Being the default problem-solver, lost item finder, peacekeeper, and planner
It’s not just doing the tasks, it’s constantly holding them in your mind and for many women, this load feels endless.
Why Does It Hit Women the Hardest?
Because we’ve been taught that being “on top of everything” is part of being:
A good partner
A good mother
A good daughter, friend, or colleague
We’re praised for being the ones who “just handle it.”But at what cost?
The Real Cost of Carrying It All
Chronic exhaustion
Feeling resentful but guilty for feeling that way
Losing sight of your own needs because you're too busy managing everyone else's
Sound familiar?
5 Ways to Start Lightening the Mental Load
Here’s how you can begin to gently put some of it down:
Name It: Awareness is powerful. Notice when you're carrying mental weight that no one else sees.
Communicate: Share the load - with your partner, family, or at work.People can’t help with what they don’t know exists.
Let Go of Perfect: Not everything needs to be done your way — or even done at all.
Create Space for You: Even five minutes of breathing room can ease mental clutter.Try journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in silence.
Say No More Often: Every "yes" adds to the load.Protect your energy like it matters — because it does.
You Were Never Meant to Carry It All
Here’s your gentle reminder:
✨ You’re not failing because you feel overwhelmed.
✨ You’re not weak because you’re tired.
✨ You’re human.
And you deserve spaces where you can put the load down — even if just for a little while.
Take One Small Step Today
If this blog spoke to you, pause for a moment.
Breathe.
Remember - you don’t have to hold it all alone.
Mel x
Comments