Sociologist Leah Ruppanner has explored the challenges many working women face in managing the “mental load” — the often invisible set of responsibilities related to household and family life that add to their everyday stress. In her new book, “Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More,” Ruppanner addresses how women frequently juggle these demands alongside paid employment, resulting in a persistent tension between professional and domestic obligations.

Drawing on both empirical research and personal anecdotes, Ruppanner outlines how mothers, in particular, struggle to balance work commitments with expectations at home. She notes that many feel caught in a cycle of guilt, worried that focusing on one area means neglecting another, which can create a sense of failure in both spheres. This dual pressure, she argues, contributes significantly to emotional exhaustion among working mothers.

The book identifies eight categories of mental load, including emotional labor and what Ruppanner terms “magic making,” a reference to the unseen efforts involved in creating family routines and celebrations. By breaking down these components, she aims to help readers recognize the scope of unpaid work they perform and offers strategies to manage it more effectively.

Among the practical advice in the book are techniques for reducing mental load through clearer prioritization and improved delegation. Ruppanner emphasizes the importance of open and constructive communication with partners to redistribute household responsibilities more equitably. While the book is primarily directed at working women with young children, its lessons resonate across different life stages and family structures.

Ruppanner also challenges commonly held societal narratives, describing them as “lies” that amplify women’s mental burdens by setting unrealistic expectations for how much they can and should manage. By confronting these myths, she encourages women to reframe their roles and advocate for support both at home and in the workplace.

“Drained” provides a research-based framework for understanding the often-overlooked cognitive and emotional workload many women carry. Ruppanner’s approach combines scholarly insight with actionable guidance, aiming to empower readers to achieve a more manageable and fulfilling balance between their personal and professional lives.