Challenging 'Women's Work': The Impact of Household Pressure on Mental Health and the Power of Simplicity

In today’s busy world, “women’s work” remains a hot topic, especially regarding household and family management. Despite progress toward gender equality, significant data shows that women still handle much more domestic work than men. This imbalance can lead to stress and significant mental health challenges. This article dives into the statistics surrounding household management in Aotearoa New Zealand, the mental health impacts of this burden, and how embracing simplicity can offer relief.

The Statistics Behind Women's Work

This is not just my opinion. Recent data from the New Zealand Time Use Survey shows that women spend an average of 2.5 hours each day on unpaid household work, compared to just 1.5 hours for men. This highlights the ongoing expectation that women should manage the household, even when both partners work full-time, leaving many women feeling stretched thin.

Furthermore, a report by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission reveals that approximately 70% of women take on caregiving roles. This includes tasks like coordinating children's activities, handling chores, and providing emotional support. The uneven distribution of these responsibilities often leads to feelings of burnout, especially for moms juggling work and family commitments.

The Mental Health Impact of Household Pressure

The pressure to meet these traditional roles can seriously affect women's mental health. A study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that women with higher household responsibilities reported 30% more anxiety and 20% more depression compared to women with less. The constant balancing act can create feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm as women strive to meet both societal expectations and personal well-being.

Additionally, the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation states that around 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues linked to stress and anxiety, frequently stemming from balancing work and home life. This pressure can lead to a persistent cycle of stress, ultimately resulting in burnout and a decline in overall health.

The Role of Decluttering and Simplicity

A practical way to tackle the weight of household management is through decluttering and embracing simplicity. Reducing both physical and mental clutter can foster a more manageable and calming environment.

Studies show that people living in tidy spaces report up to 50% lower stress levels. Therefore, by simplifying our environments, we can lessen the pressures that come with household tasks and responsibilities.

Practical Steps to Declutter and Simplify

1. Start Small: Tackle one area at a time, like a single drawer. Achieving small victories can build momentum.

   
   

2. Set Clear Goals: Specify your decluttering objectives. Whether it's organizing your space or easing stress, clear goals can keep you on track.

   
   

3. Involve the Family: Get everyone in the household involved in the decluttering process. This not only lessens your burden but also promotes shared responsibility among family members.

   
   

4. Adopt (Lazy) Minimalism: Focus on quality over quantity. Invest in items that truly enhance your life and let go of things that do not contribute positively.

   
   

The Power of Community Support

Beyond personal efforts, community support is vital to changing perceptions about women’s work. Having open discussions about household responsibilities and mental health can foster a culture of shared duties.

Let's stop judgment on others, and instead show kindness, help out, and build each other up. Overwhelm and frustration is more common than we realise, and finding solidarity with others facing similar challenges can be a source of encouragement on the path to balance.

Finding Balance Together

The continued belief that household and family management is solely “women's work” affects the mental well-being of many women in New Zealand. The statistics speak for themselves: women still bear much of the domestic workload, resulting in feelings of stress and overwhelm. By focusing on decluttering and simplicity, women can regain control over their mental health and cultivate a more balanced life.

We haven't even talked about the burden on single mums who are tackling all the responsibility while simultaneously having no one to be accountable to. As we challenge these traditional gender roles, building a culture of shared responsibility and support becomes essential. By working together, we can foster a society that appreciates everyone's contributions, regardless of gender, and promotes mental health and overall well-being for all.

For all of you who are reading this crying 'but what about single dads?' and 'men do housework too'...this is of course not untrue. But it's also not the point. Statistically, as a society, we still see and judge the home as a women's responsibility, and this needs to change.

Find peace in simplicity