Research shows that mothers not only take on a disproportionate share of physical housework but also shoulder the mental load of household tasks. This 'mental load' includes anticipating needs, planning, organizing, and delegating chores, which has a significant impact on women's mental health. A study found that moms handle 73% of the cognitive load and 64% of the physical tasks, leading to higher levels of stress, depression, and burnout. Interestingly, while fathers did more physical tasks like taking out the garbage, it was the mental load that had the most profound impact on mothers' well-being. The unequal distribution of this cognitive labor contributes to global gender inequities and affects women's participation in the workforce. More attention needs to be given to the cognitive load to improve mental health and family dynamics.
🌸 Moms think more about household chores − and this cognitive burden hurts their mental health. https://theconversation.com/moms-think-more-about-household-chores-and-this-cognitive-burden-hurts-their-mental-health-233953?emci=e5c538ef-8156-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&emdi=990d84dc-8d56-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&ceid=12743377
🌸 Learn more or get help at www.dahliaperinatal.com
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