· By PYM STORE
Managing the Mental Load: How to Support Your Mind & Well-Being as a Busy Woman
Modern women are masters of multitasking. From scheduling doctor’s appointments to remembering library book return days, planning meals, keeping up with work deadlines, and ensuring everyone in the family has what they need—there’s an invisible force at play that few people talk about: the mental load.
If you’re constantly juggling a never-ending to-do list in your head, you’re not alone. We sat down with our PYM Co-Founder, Olivia June, who is a wife, mother of two young children, and successful entrepreneur to chat about what the mental load is, how it affects your well-being, and what you can do to manage it while supporting your mental health naturally.
What Is the Invisible Mental Load?
The mental load refers to the cognitive effort required to manage daily life—especially for women, who tend to take on the bulk of household planning and emotional labor.
Research shows that women, particularly mothers, bear a disproportionate share of these responsibilities. A study by Daminger (2019) found that women overwhelmingly take on the role of “project manager” in the household, handling organization, scheduling, and anticipating future needs.
Olivia perfectly describes the mental load is a constant stream of “while also” moments:
"The invisible mental load is so many minor details that go into operating a life--things like checking the weather so my kids are dressed appropriately, booking summer camps that don't start for six months, mentally drafting an email reply while also planning my husband's birthday, while also scheduling a double date, while also littering in my own self-care needs. 'While also' seems to be the key phrase here."
Sound familiar?
How the Mental Load Affects Women's Mental Wellness
Carrying this constant mental burden takes a toll. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression, often linked to chronic stress and caregiving responsibilities.
Additionally, the American Psychological Association reports consistently show that women experience higher levels of stress than men and are more likely to report physical and emotional symptoms of stress, such as anxiety and depression.
When your brain is constantly processing a never-ending to-do list, it can impact:
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Cognitive Function: Mental fog and difficulty focusing due to overstimulation.
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Mood & Anxiety Levels: Increased anxiousness from always anticipating the next task.
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Sleep Quality: Racing thoughts making it harder to fall and stay asleep.
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Hormonal Health: Chronic stress can dysregulate cortisol and impact energy levels.
So if you’re feeling like your brain is running a thousand tabs at once—remembering the grocery list, planning your kid’s next doctor’s appointment, and prepping for tomorrow’s work meeting—all while wondering if you actually drank enough water today... you’re not alone.
The mental load is real, and it’s heavy. But here’s the good news: while we can’t magically erase every responsibility, we can lighten the mental and emotional weight it places on us. By making small, intentional shifts, you can protect your mental wellness, reclaim your energy, and feel more like yourself again. So let's get into it!
How to Manage the Mental Load & Support Your Well-Being
1. Lower Your Own Expectations (Yes, Really)
Olivia's biggest piece of advice?
"Lower your own expectations on yourself. Don't try to live in an unrealistic way for where you're at in life. Ask for help. Build community as a priority."
Women often put immense pressure on themselves to do it all. Recognizing that you don’t have to be perfect is the first step to lightening the load.
2. Create Non-Negotiable Wellness Habits
It’s easy to put yourself last, but prioritizing your own well-being is essential—not just for you, but for those who depend on you. Olivia learned this the hard way:
"It took me YEARS of my New Year's resolution being 'put myself at the top of my to-do list' before I finally did it. If I'm not hydrated, sleeping, well-fed, exercised, and filling my social connection cup, I can't do anything well!"
3. Support Your Brain with Targeted Nutrition
When stress depletes your body, proper nutrition can help replenish and support mental wellness. Our Co-Founders Zak and Olivia worked with psychiatrists, nutritionists, and neuroscientists to create safe, effective, and clean supplements that provide your brain with the nutrients it needs for optimal well-being:
"I am not just trying to sell you on something you don't need--we created this company because these ingredients really work. I've proven to myself (with my Oura ring) that our Mood Magnesium has revolutionized my sleep, and my energy is so much better with Mood B Complete!"
Some key nutrients to incorporate into your daily routine include:
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B Vitamins (especially a methylated B-complex, like Mood B Complete): Shown to support energy metabolism and cognitive clarity.
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Magnesium (especially Magnesium L-Threonate, which is in Mood Magnesium): Proven to help regulate stress responses and promotes relaxation.
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L-Theanine & GABA (two all-natural amino acids found in our Mood Chews!): Shown to encourage calm focus without drowsiness.
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Probiotics (particularly psychobiotics, found in our Mood Biotics) – Which have been proven to support gut health, which plays a crucial role in mood and mental well-being through the gut-brain connection.
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Omega-3s – Shown to be essential for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting emotional balance. Our Mood Omega's are sustainably sourced, deep sea cold water fish from Chile.
4. Build Mindful Routines to Reduce Overwhelm
Creating simple, repeatable routines can help ease the mental load. Olivia swears by her morning and bedtime routines:
"My non-negotiable stack of supplements, morning splash of cold water, sunlight, coffee, fresh fruit, and a bedtime routine with dim lights, Mood Magnesium, Mood Chews, and deep breathing have made a world of difference."
When life gets chaotic, these grounding habits act as an anchor to support your mental clarity and emotional well-being.
The Bottom Line
The mental load isn’t going anywhere—but how you manage it can make all the difference in your stress levels, mood, and overall well-being. By lowering unrealistic expectations, prioritizing self-care, and supporting your body with the right nutrients, you can lighten the burden and show up as your best self.
If you’re ready to take control of your mental wellness, explore our science-backed supplements designed to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more energized—without the burnout.
Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0003122419859007
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
- https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019700/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30707852/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11172883/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9641984
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4030645/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-mood-disorders-2018080314414