Feeling stressed and burnt out in today’s fast-paced life is normal. Work and family pressures lead to severe mental fatigue and exhaustion that may cause a lot of psychological issues, including depression, heart problems, obesity, etc.
According to experts, when our brain receives too much stimulation or maintains an intense activity level without resting, we may get mentally fatigued or exhausted.
Continuous mental fatigue can affect our ability to think, solve problems, or process and regulate emotions, leading to challenges in our daily lives and relationships. Therefore, it is important to first identify the signs of mental fatigue so that it can be easier to manage.
Seven Signs of Mental Fatigue
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Constant fatigue: Our mental health directly impacts our physical health. Where there’s mental fatigue, there is bound to be physical exhaustion as well. Feeling constantly tired, weary, irritable, and lethargic means he or she is stressed and needs to manage stress. According to experts, fatigue can be temporary or a chronic condition lasting more than six months. While one may be able to fix it quickly by changing lifestyles like diet, exercise, and sleep habits, in certain cases, individuals require professional help or therapy.
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Physical signs: A few bodily signs of mental fatigue include head and body aches, upset stomach, changes in appetite and weight, and frequent illnesses like colds and flu.
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Lack of sleep: This may lead to physical and mental issues, which include mental fatigue. Certain sleep disorders that one may have, like insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, need to be detected and treated well in time to overcome other problems. Studies have indicated that among both good and poor sleepers, fatigue is significantly correlated to sleep duration, time spent awake during the night, and sleep efficiency, apart from sleep-related tension and distress as well as depression and anxiety.
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Irritability and frustration: According to experts, if an individual constantly suffers from mood swings that cause them to lose their temper, it may be a sign of mental fatigue or exhaustion. People often lose their motivation to work, socialize, or perform simple tasks, and as these feelings become stronger, they may cause individuals to feel trapped or disconnected.
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Lack of concentration: Many times, one may be forgetful, make frequent mistakes, and have difficulty concentrating. These are all the signs of mental fatigue, which may also lead to many other problems. To treat this, psychologists recommend taking short breaks during challenging tasks. Preventive measures also include exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.
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Low self-esteem: A negative self-perception or low self-esteem leads to mental and physical health issues like depression, anxiety, and anorexia. It makes a person feel incompetent, unloved, or inadequate.
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Isolation: One might withdraw from social interactions, preferring to stay alone in solitude. Experts say it becomes extremely hard for a person to connect with others or maintain relationships if undergoing mental stress and exhaustion.
How do you manage or reduce Mental Fatigue?
Once one is aware of having mental fatigue, it is necessary to manage and treat it. One may try the below techniques; if they don’t work, it is essential to meet a professional for help.
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Identify and remove the stressor
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Take a break between complex task
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Try relaxation techniques
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Sleep well
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Keep a gratitude journal
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Exercise regularly
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Try to socialize with family and friends
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Avoid staying solitude
Mental fatigue, if not managed in a timely manner, may impact a person’s overall well-being. Therefore, stay alert and aware of any of the above symptoms that may appear in yourself or others. This can help individuals identify mental fatigue and treat it in a timely manner before it impacts their well-being and health.
