Understanding Mental Load & Managing Upwards

How to Manage Upwards

As part of my overall framework in company-building, I like to share more about how to be a better startup operator. This means improving company processes and team performance.

Recently, I came across this term, “mental load” from HealthLine.

• having to ask a partner for help

• giving reminders to schedule bill payments or handle other essential tasks

• needing to offer praise or pats on the back for handling necessary chores around the house

• keeping track of parenting-related daily details, including after-school plans, permission slips, library book due dates, or pediatrician appointments

• checking in on kids’ physical and emotional needs

• making to-do lists, grocery lists, or chore charts

• purchasing and wrapping gifts for friends and loved ones

• scheduling date nights, vacations, and visits to family or friends

• lacking the time to pursue leisure activities when your partner does have time to relax

If this sounds familiar, mental load simply means additional cognitive burden - applied in the context of