Mental fatigue is characterized by feeling tired or experiencing exhaustion in the mind. Whenever I experience mental fatigue, I would feel so drained.

Causes

There are a variety of factors that causes mental fatigue. Here are some of the causes:

Overstimulation- Being exposed to too much variety of stimulation, such as excessive noise or bright lights, can be mentally tiring. 

Stress- Chronic stress or sustained mental effort to manage all things. Overthinking at work or in life can be mentally exhausting.

Insufficient Sleep- Inadequate or poor quality sleep can lead to exhaustion due to disrupting the body’s circadian rhythm, affecting the body’s restorative processes and hormonal imbalances, which can cause decreased cognitive function

Poor Nutrition- Eating food lacking essential nutrients, such as highly processed or sugary foods, can also lead to mental fatigue.

Prolonged Mental Activity-  Over-exertion in performing tasks or continuous mental workload and too much multi-tasking can also cause mental fatigue.

Boredom- As much as doing a lot of different activities simultaneously, engaging in repetitive or monotonous tasks or even engaging sedentary lifestyle can also lead to exhaustion in mind. 

Medical Condition- Several medical conditions can cause mental fatigue due to physiological and psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc. 

Treatment

It is important to note that treating mental fatigue is often a gradual process that requires incorporating lifestyle changes and self-care habits. Nevertheless, written are some general strategies to alleviate mental fatigue. 

Manage Stress- Stress management techniques include regular physical activities, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practice, calming music, meditation, or yoga.

Get Enough Sleep- Make sure to get enough restful sleep. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night for the body to recover. Establish a regular sleep schedule. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.

Eat A Well-Balanced Diet- Adequate nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats are essential for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source. So make sure to include a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet.

Stay Hydrated- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, such as water or electrolyte-rich drinks, from helping the body function properly and maintain energy levels. 

Pace Yourself- Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Avoid overexertion in the performance of different tasks to conserve your energy. 

Prioritize Tasks- Breaking down activities into smaller manageable tasks can help improve focus and finish it faster. 

Limit Screen Time- Avoid so much time spent in front of the screen and take frequent breaks. Excessive screen time can contribute to mental fatigue.

Consult A Healthcare Professional- If mental fatigue is caused by an underlying medical condition treating the condition may alleviate fatigue. However, if fatigue persists despite making lifestyle changes, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may require medical treatment. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may also help manage mental fatigue associated with mental health conditions or stress.

In my work as an occupational therapist, it’s hard not to get mentally fatigued with so much documentation and trying to find ways to help our patients. So I try to do some of the treatments written above to help reduce my mental exhaustion. I sometimes overthink, and that also usually leads to mental fatigue. I would try to relax by doing different stress management techniques and it helps. 

How about you? How do you alleviate mental fatigue? Kindly share it in the comment section below!

Thank you for reading! Continue to adapt to change and enjoy life!