Women Are More Stressed Than Ever: Why It’s Time to take a Break

HEALTH

25 Mar

There’s a kind of tiredness that sleep doesn’t fix.

For many women—especially mums—this tiredness runs deeper than physical exhaustion. It’s the invisible, emotional, and mental fatigue of keeping everything afloat: the schedules, the lunches, the appointments, the family calendar. It’s called the mental load, and it’s quietly wearing many of us thin.

In Australia, women still take on 50% more housework than men. And if there are kids in the picture, that gap only grows. According to recent surveys, nearly one in five parents has no leisure time at all, and over 30% have less than 30 minutes a day to themselves.

At City Cave, we believe that rest isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And for women and mums who are always giving, it’s time to receive.

What does the mental load feel like?

Constant mental “tabs” open—always thinking ahead
Struggling to switch off or sleep deeply
Emotional fatigue, even after physical rest
Snapping or feeling tearful without knowing why

What actually helps?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but here are some gentle starting points:

Ask for help without guilt
Whether it’s your partner, family, or a friend—delegating doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you're protecting your energy.
Journal for 5 minutes a day
Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can help release the loop of “don’t forget to…”
Practice a true “pause”
Not just scrolling or zoning out—but a moment where your nervous system can actually reset. That might look like a walk alone, guided meditation, or even a warm bath without interruption.
Try float therapy or infrared sauna
One mum shared this after her first float at City Cave: “It was the first time I wasn’t needed by anyone. I could just be. I walked out lighter.” These kinds of practices—especially when done regularly—create micro-breaks in the mental storm.
Celebrate small wins
You made it through the day. You fed tiny humans. You showed up. That counts.