Have you ever said, “Why does my brain feel so full this time of year?” You’re not alone. Most moms feel this way as December hits. And it’s not just in your head — not in the way you think. Your brain isn’t the problem. It’s the holiday mental load. The mental load doubles in December. And you need systems that lighten the pressure, not more willpower.
Let’s talk about why your brain feels so full. And let’s talk about what actually helps.
What Exactly Is “Holiday Mental Load”?
You know all the thinking work it takes to keep your family running. The planning. The lists. The scheduling. The remembering. That is called mental load — a kind of thinking work that is invisible but very real.
Studies find that moms take on about 70% of household mental load tasks all year long. That includes planning meals, organizing activities, and yes… holiday tasks. That burden increases even more in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
So when your brain feels full? It’s not you. It’s the amount of thinking work you’re carrying.
Why the Holidays Hit Hard
During the holidays, your to‑do list grows fast.
You might add:
- buying gifts
- coordinating travel
- planning meals and parties
- keeping up with school events
- juggling work deadlines
When all those thoughts and tasks live in your head, your brain literally feels overloaded. Research shows this kind of stress affects memory and focus. Stress hormones like cortisol can make you forget things or feel foggy.
So it’s not that your brain is weak. It’s that it’s trying to do too much at once.
5 Ways to Clear Your Mental Load Fast
Here are 5 gentle ways to help your brain feel lighter, calm, and more in control:
1. Write It Down (Mental Dump)
Get everything out of your head and onto paper. Seeing it helps you think more clearly.
2. Notice What You Can Simplify
Ask yourself: Do all these plans have to happen now? Can something wait?
3. Delegate More
Pass tasks to your partner, older kids, or others. Even small things help.
4. Reduce Decision Fatigue
Create routines so your brain doesn’t have to decide everything each day.
5. Take Small Breaks
Even a few minutes alone can help your nervous system reset.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Here’s a gentle truth: the holiday mental load isn’t a personal failure. It’s a real, measurable burden many moms carry. But it doesn’t have to stay heavy.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember — your brain is not broken. It’s overloaded. And that can be changed. Check out mymentalsummit.com for more tools and support you can use for this season.
I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing weighing on your mind this season?
Comment below. Save this blog for when your brain feels full. And share it with another mom who might need to hear this.
You don’t have to carry everything.