By Hayley Broughton, Training Director, PMAC Mental Health & Wellbeing

Women volunteers sittting around smiling with cups of tea and talking about their experiences. — **Getting involved in politics is exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s also demanding.**

**If you’re a woman stepping into the political world, you’re likely juggling multiple responsibilities, facing extra scrutiny, and wondering how to keep going without burning out….**

The reality is that many women struggle to find balance, not just on the way to political office but once they’re elected too.

You deserve the chance to thrive, not just survive, in politics.

This article explores practical ways to protect your energy, set boundaries, and build a strong support network so that you can keep making a difference—without sacrificing your wellbeing. Whether you’re just starting out or already in office, these strategies will help you navigate the challenges and stay the course.

Recognising the Additional Loads Women Carry

Balancing a career in politics is tough. But for many women, the challenge isn’t just the job—it’s everything else they’re expected to manage.

At home, women often take on more unpaid work, from cooking and cleaning to organising family life. Even when tasks are shared, the mental load—the constant thinking, planning, and remembering—usually falls on them. Who’s sorting the school forms? Who’s booking the doctor’s appointments? Who’s making sure there’s food in the fridge? It’s not just about doing things; it’s about keeping track of them all.

Then there’s emotional labour. Women in leadership are often expected to be the peacemakers, the ones who listen, reassure, and smooth things over. In politics, that pressure can be even stronger. People expect warmth, diplomacy, and availability, on top of the usual demands of the job.

All of this takes a toll. It drains energy, eats into time, and makes it harder to focus on career goals. Research shows that women in the UK still do 60% more unpaid labour than men , even when working full-time. That imbalance doesn’t disappear when you step into public life.

These pressures are real, but they’re not inevitable. The more we recognise them, the better we can push for fairer expectations—at home, in politics, and everywhere else.

A woman staring out the window looking thoughtfully into the distance.

How to Protect Your Time and Energy

Politics is demanding, but that doesn’t mean you have to give every part of yourself to it. Setting boundaries helps protect your time, energy, and wellbeing—both at work and at home.

Limit work hours when you can. Politics can feel like a 24/7 job, but you don’t have to be available all the time. Set clear working hours, avoid late-night emails, and carve out time for yourself. Without this, burnout creeps in fast.

Be mindful of where your energy goes. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Decide what deserves your attention and what doesn’t. Not every meeting needs you. Not every event is urgent. Protect your mental space by saying no when you need to.

Let go of doing everything at home. Women often take on more housework and childcare, even when working full-time. If possible, outsource tasks like cleaning or grocery shopping. Accept help from family and friends. You don’t have to do it all.

Schedule breaks like they’re meetings. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Block out time for non-negotiable breaks, whether it’s a quiet morning, a walk, or an evening with loved ones. If you don’t protect your downtime, no one else will. If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s fuel. Politics needs more women, and women need the space to excel, not just keep up.

A group of women who have been working to improve the park in their local area, they are carrying cuttings and all smiling.

Re-aligning Your Expectations

You don’t have to do everything, all at once, perfectly. The idea of “having it all” sounds great, but in reality, it just adds pressure and guilt. Some days, politics will take priority. Other days, family or personal needs will come first. That’s not failure—that’s balance.

Being a politician is just one part of who you are. You might also be a parent, a partner, a daughter, or a friend. Each role matters, but none should define you completely. Expecting to excel in all of them at the same time only leads to exhaustion. It’s okay to shift focus when needed.

Self-compassion is key.

You will make mistakes. You won’t always be available. You will let people down sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough—it means you’re human. Instead of feeling guilty, remind yourself that pacing yourself now helps you stay in it for the long run.

Looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Taking breaks, asking for help, and making space for your own needs allows you to show up fully—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Politics needs you, but it doesn’t need you to be perfect. It just needs you to be present.

How Elect Her Can Help

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The team at Elect Her are here to support you at every stage of your political journey, offering a safe and understanding space where you can find balance, connect with others, and build confidence.

Through free workshops, training, and one-to-one coaching, Elect Her helps women develop the skills and resilience needed to thrive in politics. Whether you’re just starting out or already in office, you’ll find practical guidance on managing your time, setting boundaries, and staying true to yourself while making an impact.

Community is at the heart of Elect Her. Politics can be isolating, but here, you’ll meet like-minded women who understand the challenges first-hand. This amazing network offers encouragement, shared experiences, and real-world advice to help you navigate the pressures of public life without burning out.

Most importantly, Elect Her is a place where you can be yourself, ask for help, and remind yourself why you started. You deserve to thrive in politics—and we’re here to make sure you do.