Is “Mom Brain” Real?
How to Tackle the Never-Ending To-Do List Without Losing Your Mind
You open your phone to check one thing, and five minutes later, you can’t remember why you picked it up in the first place. Sound familiar? That mental haze, that forgetful feeling that creeps in mid-sentence or mid-task—it’s often brushed off as “mom brain.”
But is mom brain just a running joke, or is there actual science behind it?
Coming back from Savannah, GA after my son’s track meet, I felt so overwhelmed. From packing to unpacking and then repacking and unpacking yet again to cleaning the house and getting everyone back on schedule, I felt that writing this article was necessary. I know I’m not the only one to feel this way but sometimes can we just do nothing?
From packing lunches to scheduling dentist appointments, remembering birthdays, managing your work, keeping the house running, and carving out 15 minutes for yourself (maybe)—the list never ends. That constant, low-level pressure? It’s called cognitive overload.
You’re not just doing tasks—you’re thinking about them nonstop. This mental checklist is called the “invisible load” or the “mental load” of motherhood. It’s why even when you’re “doing nothing,” your brain is running in the background like 50 open tabs.
5 Ways to Combat the Mental Overload
and Stay Sane
Let’s Ditch the Master List — Create Micro Lists
Instead of staring at one giant to-do list, break it into themed sections:
Today’s 3 Priorities
Household Tasks
Kids’ Needs
Self-Care (yes, this deserves its own!)
→ Tip: Use a sticky note or your phone’s home screen to keep today’s top 3 visible. I personal love this one and use alarms on my phone at different times of the day to help me stay on task
Try the “Brain Dump” Method at Night
Before bed, write down everything swirling in your head—appointments, ideas, worries, random thoughts.
This calms your nervous system and helps your brain stop spinning while you try to sleep.
*I love to draw and listen to my favorite playlist. Sometimes Ill switch it up and do a quick yoga sesh depending on how I felt that day
Give Yourself Permission to Not Finish It All
Some days, only one thing will get done—and that’s okay.
Ask yourself: “What’s essential today?” Not everything, just the essentials.
Productivity is not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.
Reset with Mini Moments
Recharging doesn’t need to be hours long.
Try:
A 10-minute walk alone
Deep breathing while your coffee brews
Listening to music in the car without answering anyone’s questions
Remember To Use Systems, Not Willpower
Relying on memory = chaos.
Use:
Shared digital calendars for family events
Reminders & alarms for recurring tasks
A command center (a physical or digital hub) for mail, to-do’s, and papers
You don’t need to do it all—just do what matters most today. Yes, mom brain is real, and no, you’re not broken. You’re managing a full-time job with no off switch, and doing your best every single day.