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Women's Journal

The Hidden Workload That’s Limiting Women in Management

The Hidden Workload That’s Limiting Women in Management

Many women in management are juggling a workload that isn’t found in job descriptions. Beyond meetings, deadlines, and strategic planning, there’s an invisible layer of responsibilities that often goes unnoticed. This hidden workload can quietly slow career progression, increase stress, and impact performance, not because of a lack of capability, but because of the unspoken expectations often placed on women in leadership roles. This isn’t just about long hours or demanding projects. The issue runs deeper. It’s about the added expectations to be emotionally available, the default organizer, the workplace nurturer, and the steady presence others rely on. These demands tend to fall disproportionately on women, regardless of the official title they hold. Read also: Balancing the Boardroom and Burnout: How One Woman Is Redefining Mental Wellness in the Workplace What Exactly Is the Hidden Workload in Management? The hidden workload refers to tasks that don’t directly tie to core business goals but still consume time and energy. In many offices, women managers are more likely to be asked to mentor junior employees, mediate conflicts, plan team-building activities, or offer emotional support during times of stress or change. These aren’t part of standard KPIs. They rarely come with extra compensation. Yet

Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing for Mental Clarity

Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing for Mental Clarity

In an increasingly urbanized and digitally tethered world, the ancient wisdom of connecting with nature has found a compelling modern articulation in Shinrin-Yoku, often translated as “forest bathing.” Originating in Japan in the 1980s, this practice is not about physical exercise or traditional hiking; rather, it is a conscious, contemplative immersion in the atmosphere of the forest through all five senses. As a preventative healthcare measure, Shinrin-Yoku was developed by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to encourage people to visit natural spaces for their health. Far from a mere leisurely walk, it is a deliberate engagement with the natural world that has gained global recognition for its profound benefits on mental clarity, stress reduction, and overall human well-being, supported by a growing body of scientific research. Read Also: Noble Body Balm: A Love Story of Nature’s Healing Power The Origins and Philosophy of Shinrin-Yoku The concept of Shinrin-Yoku emerged in Japan in 1982, coined by Tomohide Akiyama, the then-director of the Japanese Forestry Agency. It was a strategic response to the nation’s increasing urbanization and the burgeoning recognition of stress-related health issues in a fast-paced society. The underlying philosophy of Shinrin-Yoku is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese beliefs,

LIFESTYLE

The Growing Popularity of Intermittent Fasting as a Lifestyle

The Growing Popularity of Intermittent Fasting as a Lifestyle

Intermittent fasting has taken the health world by storm, offering a simple and effective approach to dieting and overall wellness. As people become more conscious of their health, this eating pattern has gained significant attention due to its simplicity and potential benefits. For many, it’s not just about weight loss, it’s a shift in how they approach food, health, and well-being. Understanding Intermittent Fasting: What’s All the Hype? Intermittent fasting is not a diet in the traditional sense. Rather than focusing on what to eat, it focuses on when to eat. The basic idea is to cycle between periods of eating and fasting. There are various methods, but some of the most popular ones include the 16:8 method, where one fasts for 16 hours and eats during an 8-hour window, or the 5:2 method, where normal eating is done for five days, and only a very limited amount of calories is consumed on the other two days. What makes intermittent fasting appealing to many is its flexibility. Unlike calorie-restricted diets, which often demand precise tracking and planning, intermittent fasting doesn’t require much in the way of specific food choices. It’s about timing. This simplicity is one of the key reasons