The Invisible Load: Women, Mental Health, and the Power of Self-Preservation
- Renee Rivers
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 3
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." — Audre Lorde
March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the contributions, resilience, and brilliance of women across history and in our everyday lives. But beneath the accolades and recognition lies a truth many women know too well: the weight of invisible labor.
From managing households to carrying the emotional burdens of families, workplaces, and communities, women are expected to hold it all together—often at the expense of their own well-being. This mental and emotional labor, while unseen, is deeply felt. It’s the constant anticipating of needs, the unspoken expectation to nurture, the unpaid and undervalued work that keeps homes, relationships, and businesses running. And yet, when women express exhaustion, they are often met with messages of endurance rather than care: Just push through. Be strong. Others have it worse.
The Toll of Unseen Labor on Mental Health
The invisible work women do is not just physical—it is emotional, mental, and spiritual. It’s the way mothers wake up before dawn to prepare their children for school while simultaneously responding to work emails. It’s the way daughters become caregivers for aging parents, balancing their own lives while tending to others. It’s the way women in workplaces become unofficial therapists, mediators, and problem-solvers, ensuring harmony in teams while navigating gender biases.
This constant caregiving, emotional labor, and expectation to be everything to everyone takes a toll. It leads to burnout, anxiety, depression, and a sense of losing oneself in the service of others. It creates a cycle where women are praised for their sacrifice but rarely supported in their healing.
Self-Preservation as Resistance
Audre Lorde’s words remind us that taking care of ourselves is not selfish—it is necessary. In a world that benefits from women’s exhaustion, choosing rest, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental well-being is a radical act. It disrupts the expectation that women must always be available, always give, and never need.
Self-preservation means:
✅ Setting boundaries—choosing where and how you give your energy.
✅ Prioritizing mental health—seeking therapy, support, and healing spaces.
✅ Honoring rest—rejecting the hustle mindset that equates worth with productivity.
✅ Asking for help—recognizing that you are not meant to carry everything alone.
This Women’s History Month, Reclaim Your Time
This month, I am being intentional about stepping into spaces that allow me to rest, reflect, reset, and reclaim my time. I invite you to do the same. Let’s pour into ourselves as much as we pour into others.
Ways to Prioritize Yourself This Month
Rest – Prioritizing Deep Restoration
Take a nap without guilt—your body needs it.
Create a nighttime ritual (dim lights, herbal tea, calming music).
Try a float therapy session, massage, or acupuncture.
Book a staycation or a weekend retreat.
Say no to unnecessary obligations to protect your peace.
Reflect – Embracing Self-Discovery
Journal with prompts like: What do I need more of? What do I need less of?
Meditate in nature or by water (ocean, lake, river).
Read a book that nurtures your soul.
Engage in art therapy—painting, collaging, or expressive writing.
Take yourself on a solo coffee or lunch date.
Reset – Releasing Stress and Rebalancing
Try breathwork exercises to regulate your nervous system.
Declutter a space in your home for a fresh start.
Move your body with gentle yoga, stretching, or dance.
Set digital boundaries—take a social media detox.
Unplug for an evening with a device-free dinner or a long walk.
Reclaim Your Time – Honoring Your Needs
Schedule an entire day for yourself—no obligations, just joy.
Set boundaries around unpaid emotional labor—delegate tasks.
Make self-care a non-negotiable priority (therapy, spa day, wellness retreat).
Spend time with people who pour into you, not just those who take.
Try something new—a class, a hobby, or a solo adventure.
Reflection Prompt: A Moment for You
Pause and reflect:
What is one invisible responsibility you carry that others don’t see? How does it impact your well-being?
If you gave yourself permission to prioritize YOU, what is one thing you would do differently this month?
Let this be your invitation to pause, reflect, and take action.
Join the Challenge: One Action Per Week
This Women’s History Month, I challenge you to commit to at least one action from each category—rest, reflect, reset, and reclaim. Let’s rewrite the narrative that tells us we must always give and never receive. Let’s prioritize ourselves unapologetically.
I’m intentionally stepping into spaces that allow me to celebrate, rest, reflect, reset, and reclaim my time—and I’d love for other women to join me! Below are the events I will be attending this month—each one offering a space for connection, empowerment, and self-care. Whether you're looking for inspiration, community, or a moment to pause and pour into yourself, there’s a place for you. Let’s make this month about us! 💛
March 6 - Empowering Women at the Wonder Woman Emerge Retreat
This Women’s History Month, I’m not only attending but also serving as a moderator at the Wonder Woman Emerge Retreat—a powerful gathering designed to uplift, inspire, and equip women to step boldly into their purpose.
This retreat is about more than just conversation—it’s about transformation. Through intentional dialogue, leadership insights, and wellness-focused sessions, women will have the opportunity to reflect, reset, and emerge stronger.
Why I’m Excited to Be Part of This Event:
✔ To facilitate meaningful conversations that empower women to rise.
✔ To engage with dynamic women leaders and change-makers.
✔ To hold space for reflection, growth, and transformation.
✔ To continue my mission of helping women reclaim their time and step into their full potential.
If you’re looking for a space to be inspired, connect with like-minded women, and walk away with renewed energy, this is it! Let’s emerge stronger, wiser, and more empowered—together.
March 6 - WSHC x WCC Empowered Connections Networking Happy Hour
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade and Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman Law Firm are bringing together powerhouse women for the WSHC x WCC Empowered Connections Networking Happy Hour!
This event is all about women supporting women, creating opportunities for collaboration, and strengthening our community. It’s not just about networking—it’s about building meaningful connections, sharing experiences, and celebrating our collective success.
Why I’m Attending:
✔ To engage with dynamic women in business and leadership.
✔ To foster new connections and collaborations.
✔ To celebrate the power of women’s empowerment and community.
✔ To unwind and reflect on the impact of Women’s History Month.
If you’re looking for a space to network, share, and celebrate the power of women, I’d love to see you there! Let’s continue uplifting and supporting one another.
March 7 - Women’s Impact & Empowerment: Attending the JITG Music Fest Women’s Impact Luncheon
This Women’s History Month, I’m intentionally stepping into spaces that celebrate women’s power, influence, and collective success—and I’m thrilled to be attending the JITG Music Fest Women’s Impact Luncheon 2025.
As the Vice-Chair for the City of Miami Gardens Commission for Women & Girls, I am delighted to be part of an event that uplifts, empowers, and honors the contributions of women. This luncheon is more than just a gathering; it’s a powerful space for dialogue, connection, and inspiration, bringing together women across industries to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and support one another’s journeys.
Why I’m Attending:
✔ To engage in inspiring discussions with women who are making an impact.
✔ To connect and network with like-minded leaders and entrepreneurs.
✔ To celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women in all industries.
✔ To continue learning and growing in spaces that uplift and empower.
This Women’s History Month, I’m not just reflecting—I’m showing up, celebrating, and investing in the spaces that pour into women’s success.
March 8th - Rest: Honoring My Roots & Building Community
On March 8, 2025, I will be attending the Women’s Day Event by Her Circle at Choublak Restaurant, a gathering dedicated to Haitian women entrepreneurs coming together in sisterhood, success, and support. This event is not just about networking; it’s about celebrating the power of community, wealth, and harmony—lifting each other up and recognizing the strength that lies in collective empowerment.
Why I’m Attending:
✔ To celebrate my friend Marodine Pierre Of Maro Wellness Center in Coral Gables, FL
✔ To connect with other Haitian women entrepreneurs, share experiences, and uplift one another.
✔ To reflect on my own entrepreneurial journey—where I’ve been, where I’m going, and how I want to grow.
✔ To honor the intersection of my identity as a Haitian woman, a business owner, and a community leader.
✔ To support women in my community—because when we invest in each other, we all rise.
This event is a chance to pause, celebrate, and affirm that our success is not just individual, but collective. It’s about finding inspiration in the stories of other women, sharing our journeys, and building a network rooted in authenticity, culture, and empowerment.
Entrepreneurship is more than a business venture—it’s a legacy, a responsibility, and a reflection of who we are. This Women’s History Month, I am taking the time to truly honor who I am, where I come from, and the impact I want to leave.
March 15 - Reclaiming My Time: A Sacred Gathering for Renewal and Balance
On March 15, 2025, I will be attending the Spring Equinox Women’s Red Tent Event, a deeply restorative space designed to honor the cycles of womanhood, reconnect with inner wisdom, and embrace the energy of renewal. Rooted in Ayurveda and holistic healing, this gathering will offer a chance to slow down, breathe, and nourish the mind, body, and spirit.
Through guided meditation, movement, ritual, and heartfelt connection, we will embrace the changing season and set intentions for the months ahead. This event is more than a gathering—it’s a homecoming to self, an opportunity to be held in sisterhood, and a reminder that self-preservation is sacred work.
Why I’m Attending:
✔ To step away from the demands of daily life and prioritize my own restoration.
✔ To deepen my connection with other women who value healing, reflection, and balance.
✔ To align with the season of growth and renewal, setting powerful intentions for what’s ahead.
This experience is part of my commitment to radically reclaim my time and well-being—not just this month, but as an ongoing practice of self-preservation and empowerment.
March 16 - Blooming in Sisterhood: Celebrating Caribbean Women & Empowerment
I’m excited to attend BLOOM, an event presented by the Caribbean Women’s Network.
BLOOM is about more than networking—it’s about celebrating the power, resilience, and brilliance of Caribbean women in business and leadership. It’s a space where we can share experiences, uplift each other, and continue breaking barriers as entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers.
Why I’m Attending:
✔ To connect with like-minded Caribbean women and build meaningful relationships.
✔ To gain insights and inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs and leaders.
✔ To celebrate our shared culture, heritage, and the power of community.
✔ To honor my journey as a Caribbean woman in business and support others along theirs.
This month is all about blooming where we are planted, and I’m excited to be in a room full of dynamic, ambitious women who are doing just that.
March 22 - Reset: A Moment with SELF
As part of my commitment to prioritizing my well-being, I will be attending A Moment with SELF, an event designed to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Held at 15520 SW 127th Ave, this gathering offers a serene and peaceful environment to step away from the daily grind and focus on personal renewal and self-care. It’s a space to reset—mind, body, and spirit—through healing, connection, and holistic wellness practices.
Why I’m Attending:
✔ To take a break from the busyness and reconnect with myself.
✔ To experience a healing session with Sephora Drouillard and nourish my spirit.
✔ To enjoy delicious food by Chef France as part of self-care.
✔ To learn makeup tips from Patricia of Patricia’s Canvas—because beauty is self-expression.
✔ To gain skincare insights from Maro’s Wellness Center Miami for holistic wellness.
✔ To share space with like-minded women on a similar journey of renewal and growth.
This is more than just an event—it’s an intentional act of self-care and self-love. This season is about releasing what no longer serves us, embracing what aligns, and stepping forward with clarity and purpose.
Reflect: Books, Sisterhood & Mental Health: Reflecting with Black Moms Miami
You brought me to pause and sit next to you and I thank you.
Blessings for this month and beyond sisters.
This was delightful to read. I am impressed with your efforts to be great and to connect and mingle with others aspiring toward greatness. Blessings in these valiant pursuits. Congrats. 🩷