I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed with a simple decision like what my daughter will wear to nursery that day. Or what time I should schedule the call for. The question comes to mind and is quickly wiped away by another thought, for it to come back again only minutes later. It lingers in my brain for way too long and takes up a good chunk of my energy. 

When I reflect on this rather annoying incapability of making decisions, I realise that it has been one of those days where I just had to be present and available for others a lot. I have taken a lot of decisions already and my brain was refusing to deal with another inconsequential question. 

Apparently, the average person makes around 35,000 decisions a day!  But it wasn’t just the number of decisions that got to me. It was the constant requirement to deal with 3 or 4 things at the same time. As working mums, we are often confronted with doing our job while thinking about what to cook for dinner. Or being on a call while quickly sorting out the kids with pen and paper, while ensuring the little one doesn’t fall off the chair. 

Mental overload means keeping track of schedules, providing emotional support, fostering social relationships, and all sorts of household duties. It is a typical trap a lot of mums fall into. If you feel overwhelmed with the amounts of responsibilities and decisions you have to make every day, here are some tips that help me. 

3 simple things to reduce mental load:

• Good communication at work and in your partnership
  • Have regular check-ins, not only at work but also with your partner, to address to-do’s and how you are coping with current workload and children/household related duties
  • Reflect on which things only you can do and what you can delegate or pay someone to do for you, if possible
• Being organised and planning ahead
  • Make time to think ahead and plan things like meals, playdates, activities, childcare etc. It is not only helpful to plan for the week, but even on a daily basis to put out clothes for the children the evening prior, packing bags in advance, planning your working day.
  • This 👆 keeps your dedicated working time clear and leaves less opportunity for interruptions.
  • Make use of all the useful planning tools such as your calendar, blocking time, create to-do lists and do brain dumps, to literally take things off your mind.
• Setting boundaries and self-care
  • Everyone has their own methods to look after themselves. Most people do workouts, pursue a hobby like singing, drawing, pottery or simply appreciate a walk in the park. Whatever it is that gives you quality time, make sure you have some of that as a regular date in your weekly routine. 

What are your experiences with mental overload? What are your strategies to reduce it? I would leave to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If this content resonates and you would like support with a similar topic, schedule a free 30-mins chat.