The Mental Load of Motherhood Is Real — You Weren’t Meant to Carry It All

Hey Mama,
Let’s take a deep breath together.

If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why... only to suddenly remember the school fundraiser, the laundry pile, the unread text from yesterday, the wet towel on the floor, and that you still haven’t organised dinner - you are not alone.

That’s not forgetfulness. That’s mental load overload.
And it’s heavy.

What Is the Mental Load?

The mental load is everything you’re carrying - not physically, but mentally and emotionally. It’s the invisible checklist constantly ticking in the back of your brain. And in most homes, it quietly falls on the shoulders of one person… usually Mum.

Things like:

• Remembering what needs to be added to the shopping list
• Scheduling the dentist, the doctor, the Plunket check
• Noticing the kids have outgrown their shoes
• Anticipating everyone’s emotions and needs
• Making sure there’s something in the fridge for school lunches
• Managing the washing, the appointments, the clutter, the chaos...

No wonder you're tired, Mama.

Motherhood is a full-time mental marathon.
You weren’t meant to do it all - and you definitely weren’t meant to do it alone.

How to Ease the Mental Load (Even a Little)

Here are some practical, easy ways to take even a little off your plate. Because small changes make a big difference when you're running on empty.

 1. Do a Daily Brain Dump

Take 5 minutes in the morning to write everything swirling in your mind onto paper. No order needed. Just empty it out. You’ll feel lighter instantly.

 2. Choose 3 Priorities a Day

From your list, circle the 3 things that actually matter most today. Let the rest wait - it’s not all urgent I promise.

 3. Delegate Where You Can

Get the kids involved with age-appropriate jobs like:

• Putting away their clean clothes
• Packing their own bags for school or kindy
• Setting the table or emptying the dishwasher
• Choosing their lunchbox snacks
  It won’t be perfect, but done is better than perfect.

 4. Share the Load Visibly

Use a whiteboard, planner or family calendar so everyone can see what’s going on - and share in the responsibilities.

 5. Set Phone Alarms or Reminders

Free up your headspace by outsourcing reminders to your phone - medications, appointments, forms due back, rubbish day!

6. Say No (More Than You Say Yes)

Your time and energy are valuable. If it doesn’t serve you or your family right now, or it's is just one too many things to add to your schedule, it’s okay to say no.

7. Nourish Yourself - Easily

When you’re running on low, the first thing that suffers is you. But you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Our baking mixes were made for these moments - for the tired, stretched, hungry version of you.

They take just minutes to prep, are packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, and help your body feel full, not just fed.

Try the Fudge Bites or our Triple Chocolate Cookies - both designed to fuel busy mums and taste amazing (even one-handed while holding a baby).

You Deserve to Feel Good, Too

If today feels heavy, I want you to know this:

You are not lazy.
You are not failing.
You are carrying a lot.

You weren’t meant to carry it all alone - and here, you never have to.

So take one thing off your plate today.
Say no to something that drains you.
Say yes to something that fills you.

And maybe - just maybe - make yourself a batch of nourishing snacks while you’re at it.

You’ve got this, Mama.

With love and snacks,
Jo xx
🩷 Founder of The Mamahood Collective

P.S. Need a quick win today?
Our Cookie Dough Fudge Bites are ready in minutes, only need 2 added ingredients, and taste like heaven.
They’re nourishing, freezer-friendly, and your kids will love them too (so maybe hide a few just for you!).