You’re probably familiar with the term fatigue, but you might assume that it only refers to the physical body.
Mental exhaustion and burnout are quite common thanks to the prevalence of things like technology, the demand for productivity, and deadlines.
So, what is mental fatigue, and what can you do to prevent it? Read on to learn more.
What is Mental Fatigue?
If you’re wondering, what is mental fatigue and how it happens, you’re not alone. Often interchanged with terms like brain fog or burnout, mental fatigue affects your mind and body in a number of ways.
The causes of mental fatigue can vary but they’re often connected with the demands of a high-pressure career. The constant need to perform or meet strict deadlines can push you to work longer hours and work harder, making you feel tired and burned out. Major life changes like moving or having a new baby can also contribute to mental fatigue.
It’s perfectly normal to feel stress from time to time. However, mental exhaustion is much more pronounced and comes with long-term symptoms and consequences. This neurofatigue is often caused by having to process a large amount of information, or even just by spending long hours in front of a computer.
Symptoms of Mental Exhaustion
If you suspect that you have mental fatigue, there are several symptoms to look for, including:
- Feeling tired in the afternoon, also referred to as the “afternoon slump”
- Sleeping ok through the night but waking up feeling tired and exhausted
- Difficulty concentrating, also known as brain fog
- Muscle weakness or a sudden reduction in grip strength
- Moodiness, mild depression, or noticeable mood swings
- A reduction in your performance at work or school
How to Treat Mental Fatigue
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mental fatigue or treat it to help you get back on track. First, work on limiting the hours you spend in front of your computer or take some time off from work to relax and regroup.
Make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and drink plenty of water every day. The right nutrition can help you stay focused and ensure that your body and mind are strong and healthy.
Get regular exercise as much as you can. Even if you take a brisk walk around the block several times a week, it can be an effective tool to help you prevent mental fatigue.
If you can pinpoint what’s causing your mental exhaustion, try to reduce your exposure to it or remove it altogether. You can also ask for help with things like heavy workloads or childcare. If your mental fatigue doesn’t improve, talk to your doctor about possible treatments and suggestions to help you recover.
Say Goodbye to Mental Exhaustion
Once you ask, what is mental fatigue, you can begin to take steps to prevent or lessen it. Remember to take good care of yourself and try to reduce the pressures of everyday life so you can feel your best.
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