Coronavirus: Moms bear huge mental load [Tips to reduce them]

Many moms have been feeling guilty, exhausted, and overwhelmed for the past few months. If you do, worry no more. Psychologists and labor experts noted that the coronavirus pandemic affects women, specifically on moms, than it does on men.

Even without the health crisis, moms bear the most workload at home. They cook, clean, take care of the children, do the laundry, and others. Other than that, they also carry the heavy mental load on other stuff not done every day. It includes children's doctor appointments, buying groceries, and many other little details.

Add the fact that most moms have to work despite their home workload. Dr. Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist, told TODAY Parents that moms do most of the extra work. She credits men who have stepped up to help their spouses, but moms do extras because they want to make sure that everyone is happy. It results in them carrying a heavy mental load now that the pandemic is affecting our everyday lives.

Coronavirus: Moms bear huge Mental Load [Tips to reduce them] — unsplash/Jen Theodore

Tips to reduce the mental load

There are many ways to decrease the burden that moms carry. Everyday lives need not be a burden. Here are a few tips for moms who bear a huge mental load.

Do not expect everything to be perfect

Ludwig said that now is a time for imperfection. She advises moms to look into the big picture and accept that life is not perfect. What you can do instead is to figure out how to enjoy each other by connecting in the right way. Just accept it if you could not get everything done.

Make a predictable schedule

Your children would feel that everything is under control if there is a schedule, Ludwig said. It allows them something to look forward to at various times of the day. Schedules make our lives feel organized, she added. Make your kids wake up and eat breakfast at a specific time every day. Then schedule a to-do list for the rest of the day.

Avoid feeling guilty

Ludwig said that many moms feel guilty that their kids could not be with their friends. She said that even though she has no control over what is happening right now, they feel guilty, which should not be the case.

Focus on what could be

Creating memories and having fun is more important. Ludwig said that beautiful moments are found even in the most challenging times.

Ask for help

Even if it feels uncomfortable, now is the best time for moms to seek others' help, Ludwig said. You may ask for the help of family members on house chores or other stuff. You could also ask the help of your partner to finish some stuff that you could not. Try to be specific as much as possible, so you make things clear for you both.