The Mental Load of December: Why Rest and Recharging Matter

December can feel like a marathon for many women. As the days grow shorter and darker, the to-do lists seem to grow longer. We’re the ones making sure the sick kiddo has the right dosage of cold medicine and the emergency mittens are packed. We’re coordinating school programs, remembering who needs a white elephant gift for the office party, and deciphering where the missing coat ended up after recess. Add holiday get-togethers, meal planning, and gift shopping, and it’s no wonder this time of year can feel overwhelming.

The mental load women carry often goes unseen. It’s the invisible weight of remembering, planning, and managing all the details that keep everything running smoothly. While it can bring joy to create holiday magic, the endless demands of the season can drain our energy and leave us feeling burned out.

And let’s not forget the added challenge of the season’s limited daylight. December marks the darkest part of the year, and with it often comes a sense of heaviness. It’s easy to turn to our phones for a quick escape, doom-scrolling through social media or endless news cycles. While it feels like checking out, it rarely leaves us recharged—it usually leaves us more depleted.

So, what’s the antidote? Rest. Real rest. The kind that fills your cup instead of draining it further. This might mean taking a night off from wrapping gifts to read a few chapters of a favorite romance novel, setting boundaries around commitments, or simply going to bed an hour earlier. It might mean giving yourself permission to say “no” to one more holiday event and “yes” to a quiet evening by the fire.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. This season isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection—with others and with yourself. So, step away from the doom scroll, light a candle, and allow yourself to rest. The light will return—and so will your energy. Until then, be gentle with yourself. You deserve it.