3 things to do when your brain is tired

un-learn, un-think, un-plug

Mental exhaustion happens when one does too many things without a pause. We exceed our capacity to handle physical and mental stress and our brain is exhausted. Sometimes mental exhaustion can be a result of health issues: depression, heart disease, chronic illness, and autoimmune disease can all lead to insomnia or trouble sleeping, which can cause mental fatigue.

Un-think: Make fewer decisions

We are faced with scores of decisions each day and by the end of all that decision-making, our mental energy and self-control can take a hit, according to research from Kathleen Vohs. One way to offset this dip in mental energy may be to limit your decisions during the day. Make the same coffee order every day. Eat the same dinner every Tuesday. By keeping some basic, routine decisions simple (or eliminating them altogether) we have more mental energy to deal with the rest of our days.

Un-learn: Start seeing green

Take a mini-break and look out the window. According to a research from University of Melbourne, a minute of looking at grassy rooftops reduces errors and improves concentration. “It’s really important to have micro-breaks,” says Dr Kate Lee, who led the study. “It’s something that a lot of us do naturally when we’re stressed or mentally fatigued. There’s a reason you look out the window and seek nature: It can help you concentrate on your work and to maintain performance across the workday.”

Un-plug: Take time off

Whether it’s a mini-break or a week away, time off is essential to fighting mental fatigue. You can do this even on your busiest days by making sure you take a regular lunch break, or set aside fifteen minutes with nothing planned to take a walk, or at least a breath.

Over time, mental exhaustion can lead to full-blown burnout, physical issues, and stress-related illness. But, as soon as you realize why you are feeling tired, you can take steps to restore and feel better fast. So, let’s take a break!