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“Exhausted” Images – Unsplash.com
Introduction
Imagine this: it’s a good day, you’re feeling good, have a bunch of work to get done, and are in the zone.
And then, all of a sudden, before you know it; you’ve reached mental fatigue and you can’t seem to go on any longer. You’ve reached the point of mental exhaustion, and getting any work done now is near impossible. It’s hard to even turn on the computer. It’s hard not to lay down and watch TV or just fall asleep. To keep going would be to keep torturing your mental state and picking at it for hours without stopping.
Congratulations, your brain is fried!
What Is A “Fried” Brain?
A brain that is “fried” is a brain that has reached its absolute peak of mental stress. It’s reached its point of fatigue, and cannot proceed. Or so you think that. If you’re looking for a more intellectual and professional definition of this term, you can also recognize it as mental fatigue; or mental exhaustion. This is defined as:
A psychobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity shown to negatively influence physical performance.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
A fried brain is a common occurrence among those that either a) work too hard or b) work too little. Your brain is fried because you’ve been at it for too long for your brain to handle it, or because your brain can’t overcome even the slightest of obstacles because you’ve treated it too softly and entirely improperly.
What Causes Mental Fatigue?
Mental fatigue can sneak up on you after periods of intense cognitive activity, similar to how muscles feel tired after a long workout. Imagine you’re trying to beat a particularly tough level in a video game; and with each attempt, your ability to focus and react just gets worse. This is your brain running out of steam, much like your body does after physical exertion.
For instance, if you’re preparing for a series of exams, spending every waking moment reviewing notes, solving problems, and memorizing facts; you’re putting your brain under a lot of pressure. Initially, you might feel like you’re making progress, but as time goes on, the endless cycle of study, stress, and lack of sleep can lead to mental exhaustion. You start to notice that despite reading the same paragraph over and over, you can’t seem to grasp what it’s saying. Or maybe you find yourself staring at a problem you know you should be able to solve, but the solution just won’t come to you.
This mental fatigue happens because your brain, just like any other part of your body, has limits. It consumes a lot of energy, and without proper rest and recovery, its performance starts to decline. When mentally fatigued, your brain is signaling that it’s overloaded and needs a break. Ignoring these signs and pushing through can lead to decreased productivity, lower quality of work, and even burnout.
How To Counter Mental Fatigue
If you’re someone that works frequently, you have to expect mental fatigue. You have to be waiting for it at every moment that you work.
Although the best method for dealing with mental fatigue is to not stop working, we all know that at some point, we have to eat, rest, exercise, go outside, and spent our hours besides just mindlessly working. We understand that there’s a lot more to life behind just blindly working at every waking hour, but the unfortunately, the brain’s chemistry isn’t that straightforward.
My Best Methods
- Digital Detox: Imagine your brain like a busy city, bustling with non-stop traffic. Now, think of a digital detox as turning off all the traffic lights for a while. Everything slows down, and there’s a peaceful calm. Taking regular breaks from screens and all things digital gives your mental city a much-needed break. It’s about finding moments in your day to disconnect from emails, social media, and endless scrolling; allowing you to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Try setting aside specific times when you turn off your devices, maybe during meals or an hour before bed. It’s like giving your brain permission to enjoy the quiet lanes instead of the superhighways.
- Creative Outlets: Engaging in creative activities is like unlocking a door to a magical garden in your mind that you didn’t know existed. Whether it’s painting, writing, knitting, or jamming out on an instrument; creative outlets allow you to express what’s inside in a form that’s uniquely yours. This expression is therapeutic; it’s not just about creating something beautiful or interesting but also about understanding and discovering new parts of yourself. It’s a way to let your thoughts and feelings flow freely without judgment. When you’re fully immersed in a creative task, you enter a state of flow; where time seems to stand still, and your mind gets a break from the usual worries and stresses.
- Laughing a Lot: Laughter is like sunshine for your soul. It lightens your load, brightens your day, and brings warmth to those around you. Finding humor in life and not taking things too seriously can significantly reduce stress. It’s scientifically proven that laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. So, whether it’s watching a hilarious movie, reminiscing about funny memories with friends, or even attending a comedy show, make laughter a priority. It’s a powerful antidote to the stress and monotony of daily life, and it’s contagious.
“Digital” Images – Unsplash.com
My Best Methods (cont.)
- Mindfulness Practice: Mindfulness is all about living in the now, appreciating the present moment without getting lost in worries about the future or regrets from the past. It’s like being a calm observer of your own life, noticing your thoughts and feelings without getting swept away by them. Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even mindful walking can help you cultivate this state of being. It’s about noticing the details—the texture of the food you’re eating, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the sensation of breathing. This awareness brings a sense of peace and grounding, making life feel richer and more vibrant.
- Nature Time: Spending time in nature is like hitting the refresh button on your soul. There’s something incredibly healing about being surrounded by trees, breathing fresh air, and listening to the sounds of the natural world. It’s scientifically backed that being outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts overall well-being. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a stroll through a local park, or simply sitting in your garden, connecting with nature helps put things in perspective. It reminds you of the beauty and simplicity of life, often lost in the hustle and bustle of urban living.
- Music Therapy: Music has the power to transport you to different worlds, evoke memories, and stir emotions like few other things can. Listening to music you love or exploring new genres can be incredibly soothing and uplifting. It’s like a soundtrack for your life, enhancing moments of joy and providing comfort during tough times. Playing an instrument or singing, even if just for fun, can be equally therapeutic, offering a form of expression and release. Music therapy is recognized for its mental health benefits, helping with stress reduction, emotional regulation, and even pain management. It’s about finding the rhythms and melodies that resonate with you, creating a personal oasis of sound.
“Music” Images – Unsplash.com
My Favorite Method
Whenever I’m feeling off, and don’t feeling like doing anything, I like to do one of three things:
- The first method is to just relax and calm my mind. I shut off all the noise, turn off the lights, and just breathe. I follow my breathing and do not divert any of my focus towards anything else except breathing. According to studies online (you can find them pretty easily), if you do this consistently, for at least a few times per week for just 15-20 minutes, you can experience permanent benefits towards your productivity, focus, and overall concentration.
- The second method is to simply go to sleep. Specifically, you’re looking for a beneficial power nap (10-20 minutes tops) that’ll hack into your brain’s mental fatigue and shut it down completely. Once the time is up, not only will you wake up energized, but you’ll feel brand new and ready to conquer the world compared to your typical naps that leave you feeling groggy and terribly afterwards.
- The third and final method of mine is to focus your attention on something of interest for 20 minutes, and then divert that attention and focus to another priority.
Each of the methods above are relatively easy to do.
Conclusion
Mental fatigue is a heavy demotivator. Most will probably see it as a sign to stop, to not continue, to just give up. Winners, conquerors, must see it as a symbol that you’re doing exactly the right thing. Mental exhaustion is a sign to your brain that you’ve been working too hard, and that you need a break, which is exactly what you want; because it tells you whether or not you’ve done enough.
