Have you ever felt like this? As if your brain simply cannot take in one more thing?
Has thinking exhausted your brain?
Here are the facts:
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The brain consumes about 20% of the body’s energy, despite representing only 2% of its weight. (Calculated using oxygen consumption).
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Increased mental activity mainly for information processing does lead to slightly higher energy consumption, but this increase is minimal, brain region-specific, and is often offset by energy decreases in other areas. Even in seemingly idle-mind states, the brain is constantly processing sensory input, engaging in mental activity, and experiencing emotions.
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Feeling exhausted after mental activity is more likely to be due to mental stress rather than actual energy depletion. Mental stress increases oxygen consumption, and exhaustion can also be due to the whole body reacting to emotional or stressful situations. When this happens, the sympathetic nervous system is activated resulting in mental and physical fatigue.
- The increase in brain activity for simple tasks like paying attention is minimal and is often offset by energy decreases in other areas of the brain.
The Oliver Baumann article in the Conversation, he concludes that mental activity doesn’t significantly drain brain energy.
it is always important to pace yourself to avoid mental overload, stress, and fatigue.
How do you deal with mental stress? Do you have tips for other readers?
Meditation is the best, even just a stop for a moment, to stop thinking and be in the present moment , then return to a task..
Focus on the breath.
Finding a task which is enjoyable and requires your full attention, especially if you can remove time pressure.
Moving gently to music , allowing my body to move as it wants to…., very relaxing, to beautiful music, getting the knack of slowly moving and “letting go” without thinking or performing.
When I find myself dealing with much stress, I have learned to use music as instant therapy. I prefer either very upbeat classical music, old rock music. or the music that immediately preceded rock. I grew up during the transition period. Upbeat music calms me down and enables me to function normally.
I totally agree with music therapy. I use either blues or rock music, as I have always enjoyed music and dancing.
Isn’t it wonderful that the variety is there to enable us to choose the right sounds to match our needs. Reducing stress is so important – along with breathing to help the body readjust to normal heart rates and oxygen levels.
This is such helpful advice – those precious moments to remove oneself from the stressful thought or situation. ‘Letting go’ takes practice but is so worthwhile. Thank you for the strategy!
Stand up tall, take deep breaths and do 5 (or more) “shoulder rolls” each way, then strongly swing your arms to and fro then sit down and relax. It only takes a couple of minutes!
This is a great tip, Julie – and easy to do for all of us. Thank you!
Breathing in and out slowly , with a relaxed face and slight smile . Helps me to „run down“ and „ recenter“.
Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration .
All the best
Mary
This is such a useful strategy, Mary. One we can all try! Thank you.