A woman's work
Published
Do you sometimes feel that a woman’s work is never done? You are not alone! A survey of 1,000 UK women, conducted by neuromodulation company Parasym, found that 97 per cent of mothers are responsible for planning, remembering and organising day-to-day responsibilities. And only 12 per cent feel these are shared equally within their household.
The research also found:
• 83 per cent of mums think about responsibilities at least once a day, even when they should be resting.
• 44 per cent say their mental load isn’t recognised by others.
• 15 per cent say they are never able to switch off.
• 77 per cent report poor sleep as a result of stress.
The data highlights regional differences, with several areas including London, the South East and East Midlands reporting that 100 per cent of mums say they carry the household mental load.
When asked which household responsibilities mothers carry out, more than four in five shared that meal planning, remembering birthdays and key dates and managing appointments are their primary responsibilities. And three-quarters said household bills and social planning were also theirs to organise.
Sadly, almost half (44 per cent) shared that the mental load they are carrying isn’t recognised by others. Three-quarters said they struggle with poor sleep, while around two-thirds struggle with anxiety or racing thoughts, fatigue and an inability to switch off.
The constant effort of remembering, organising and planning can keep the autonomic nervous system in a state of prolonged activation, according to experts at Parasym. When the brain is constantly anticipating the next task, deadline or responsibility, it never fully signals that it is safe to switch off, meaning it's harder for the body to rest and digest.
‘Society has always relied on this invisible labour for the smooth running of households’ daily life. Not recognising what mothers do may only add further stress, feelings of frustration, resentment or burnout,’ says Dr Elisabetta Burchi, head of research at Parasym.
Visit www.parasym.com
