The Mental Load Inventory
How to See What’s Really on Your Plate
If you’ve ever laid down at night and realized your brain is still running through grocery lists, doctor’s appointments, emails you forgot to send, and that one weird school project due next week—you know what the mental load feels like.
It’s that invisible weight of all the planning, remembering, and organizing that keeps life moving. And the truth is: most of us underestimate just how much we’re carrying.
We think, “I’m just tired,” or “I should be able to handle this,” when really…we’re operating with plates so full they’re practically buckling.
That’s where a Mental Load Inventory comes in.
What is a Mental Load Inventory?
Think of it as a brain dump with purpose. Instead of letting your to-dos, should-dos, and forgotten half-started tasks swirl around in your head, you give them a place to land.
A Mental Load Inventory is simply writing down everything you’re currently holding in your mind—from the “big” responsibilities to the tiny, nagging details.
Scheduling that dentist appointment you’ve rescheduled twice
Keeping track of the kids’ clothing sizes
Planning meals
Following up on work projects
Managing family traditions and holidays
Remembering birthdays
When you see it all written out, you stop gaslighting yourself into thinking you’re “just bad at time management.” You realize: oh…this is a LOT.
Why It Matters
When we underestimate what’s on our plate, we also underestimate the energy it takes to manage it. That’s how we end up feeling behind, overwhelmed, or guilty for not “doing enough.”
But once you have a full inventory, you can:
Spot the tasks you don’t actually need to own anymore
See what can be automated, delegated, or simplified
Prioritize what actually matters versus what’s just taking up mental bandwidth
It’s not about doing everything faster. It’s about seeing clearly what’s there, so you can choose what to keep—and what to let go.
How to Do Your Own Mental Load Inventory
Here’s a simple process to get started:
Set aside 15–20 minutes. Grab a notebook or open a blank doc.
Write everything down. Personal, professional, relational, home, errands—no filter. If it’s bouncing around in your head, it belongs on the list.
Categorize. Group tasks into areas like work, family, home, finances, self, etc.
Assess. Which tasks need you? Which could be shared, outsourced, or eliminated?
Decide. Circle 3–5 things that truly matter right now. Let the rest wait—or find them a new home.
Taking It Deeper: A Life Audit
A Mental Load Inventory is a powerful first step. But once you see everything in front of you, the next question is: what do I want to carry moving forward?
That’s where my Life Audit Workbook comes in. It walks you through a guided process of evaluating each area of your life—so you can see what’s working, what’s draining you, and what deserves more space.
Think of the Mental Load Inventory as clearing the table. The Life Audit helps you reset it with only the things that actually nourish you.
👉 You can grab the free Life Audit Workbook here [insert link].
Final Thought
Your mental load isn’t a reflection of your capability—it’s a reflection of how much you’re holding. When you take the time to see it clearly, you create space for a life that feels more aligned, more manageable, and more yours.
