Still, being tired doesn\u2019t always signify physical exhaustion. Once in a while, we may feel emotional tiredness, commonly referred to as mental (brain) fatigue or mental exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like any other resource, our mental energy can be used up. The good news is \u2014 if we recognize the signs of exhaustion and act adequately, energy becomes a renewable<\/em> resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In line with that, in this blog post, we talk about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental fatigue is a brain exhaustion people experience after a lengthy cognitive performance and exposure to stress. Those who experience mental fatigue have a hard time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental exhaustion is a so-called modern disease as it comes with contemporary ways of living. Nowadays, most jobs are knowledge-based and demand mental effort. As a result, people have too much on their plate: <\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure you comprehend the scope of mental fatigue, we contacted experts to ask them for their definitions and thoughts on mental exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Founder and CEO of Hands to Guide You, Dr. Larry Ford<\/a>, provided his definition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSometimes brain fatigue feels like total exhaustion to someone who is in treatment or recovery of a physical ailment and the mind doesn\u2019t have the bandwidth to focus \u2014 on anything. There\u2019s a lack of interest in tasks and activities one typically enjoys.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moreover, the director of Clinical Services at TMS & Brain Health, Dr. Timothy Lyons<\/a>, shared his take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It makes sense that mental fatigue is becoming more important to talk about when you consider the amount of digital stimuli we\u2019re constantly interacting with. Mental fatigue is the feeling of exhaustion in the mind after it has been exerted or overstimulated. Your muscles, limbs, and overall body may feel completely normal, but when you\u2019re mentally exhausted, your brain is what needs rest.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n He adds that mental fatigue usually occurs as a consequence of extreme pressure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMental exhaustion can be likened to lapses in the cognitive function you likely experience after long periods of mental effort or exertion, like a week spent trying to wrap up a big project to meet a tight deadline, as well as shorter periods of intense stimulation such as taking a big exam or solving a complex dilemma. Sometimes when we\u2019ve been exerting our brains, it can become difficult to solve problems, think critically, and remember things.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how psychiatrist and CEO at PsychPlus, Faisal Tai<\/a>, explains mental exhaustion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf left unaddressed, long-term stress can prompt simple tiredness to worsen and turn into long-term mental fatigue, or mental exhaustion. This state is usually characterized by impaired cognitive skills such as:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Grief Specialist, Linda Whiteside<\/a>, shared her experience with mental fatigue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “As a licensed professional clinical counselor with decades of experience, I’m supposed to be used to working long hours of counseling sessions for my patients. However, when the pandemic hit, there was an influx of patients in our treatment center that needed mental health counseling, and the only way we could accommodate them would be through back-to-back subsequent scheduled Zoom meetings.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Linda adds that she had a lot of patients with mental fatigue signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was feeling overwhelmed by the number of patients I was counseling. I was exhibiting signs and symptoms of mental fatigue such as poor sleep, missing meals due to slight cognitive dysfunction, being on edge, irritable, and anxious for my patients’ wellbeing.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n She points out that working long hours had some negative effects on her mental health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was really a distressing time, and my mental fatigue pushed me to take a two-week health break. Thankfully, as the months passed and things got better, the scheduling scheme was better and more counselors were available so I didn’t have much on my plate like before \u2014 lessening my risk of mental fatigue.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Mental fatigue is used interchangeably with different terms. To make sure that you have a full grasp of what mental fatigue means, we are highlighting the differences between mental fatigue, stress, and brain fog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental fatigue and stress do not have the same meaning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stress is triggered by external sources. It can be short-term, such as a traffic jam on your way to work, or long-term \u2014 chronic illness, divorce, or caring for aging parents. Whatever the cause, stress is inevitable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, mental fatigue is a severe form of tiredness and, subsequently \u2014 a result of long-term stress. It can be acute or chronic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Acute exhaustion is short-term and can happen after a hectic day. When you don\u2019t manage it properly, acute fatigue can become chronic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chronic fatigue can result in burnout<\/a> \u2014 the feeling of being physically and mentally depleted. It is usually prevalent among community workers (social workers, health care workers, military personnel, etc.). For instance, a study on professional burnout<\/a> found that 54% of psychiatric technicians (out of 151) experienced extreme mental fatigue. What\u2019s more, 38% of them reported feeling detached from themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Law enforcement professionals and community workers most commonly experience emotional labor. Learn more about it here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though they might appear similar, brain fog and mental fatigue are not the same conditions. Dr. Lyons helped us make out a difference: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBrain fog and mental fatigue share many similarities in how they might affect our lives, but they aren\u2019t the same thing. For starters, neither is a technical medical diagnosis. Both terms are meant to describe feelings and symptoms that individuals might experience for a variety of reasons, but these are difficult to measurable, non-objective health occurrences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Adult & Teen Mental Health Clinical Director, Lindsey Rae Ackerman<\/a>, helped us differentiate between these terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBrain fog is the feeling of confusion, haziness, lack of mental clarity, and mental exhaustion, as well as impaired concentration, memory, and decision-making. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sleep deprivation, psychiatric medication side effects, hormonal imbalances, and chronic stress. It may also be a symptom of various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As opposed to brain fog, mental fatigue is a consequence of extended strain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMental fatigue, on the other hand, is a state of mental exhaustion or weariness that is caused by prolonged periods of mental exertion. Symptoms include feeling drained, depleted, or burnt out. Causes of mental fatigue include stress, work or life burnout, and lack of sleep, and similar to brain fog, mental fatigue can also be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The state of mental fatigue can manifest itself in different ways. Still, as with causes, brain fatigue symptoms are individual too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve talked with different specialists on this topic and added their answers to our list of the most common symptoms for you to recognize. Specifically, we talked with psychologist H\u00fcdanur Akkuzu<\/a> and counselors Amanda Levison<\/a> and Pareen Sehat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve divided the answers into three groups: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Emotional symptoms refer to our current emotional state and how we feel and react to the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pareen Sehat and H\u00fcdanur Akkuzu helped us identify the most common emotional signs of mental fatigue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, our mental state causes physical symptoms. Mental illnesses affect our brains, and the brain affects the rest of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the most common physical signs of emotional exhaustion, according to H\u00fcdanur Akkuzu and Amanda Levison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When experiencing mental fatigue, our behavior is susceptible to changes too. If you experience any of the behavioral symptoms H\u00fcdanur Akkuzu and Pareen Sehat highlighted, you may be dealing with mental fatigue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2192 Note: This is just an informatory text. Thus, you should consult with a licensed specialist if you start experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve already mentioned that mental fatigue most often results from prolonged cognitive activity and long-term stress. However, it\u2019s hard to precisely define the causality of mental exhaustion, as its causes vary between individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, some are more prevalent than others. So, these are the most common causes of mental fatigue, also known as cognitive exhaustion: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Track time to overcome fatigue<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Repeated and uncontrolled exposure to stress leads to mental fatigue. Stress increases cortisol levels, and excessive levels of cortisol<\/a> for a long time can make you emotionally exhausted and fatigued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chronic stress debilitates you physically and mentally. Thus, it can expose you to serious illnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A recent study by the American Psychological Association<\/a> reported that 34% of US adults claim that stress is \u201ccompletely overwhelming\u201d most of the time. Furthermore, adults with high stress levels are more likely to experience issues with concentration (38%) and memory (39%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert on the matter, Lindsey Rae Ackerman, says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChronic stress can have a significant impact on mental health and lead to mental fatigue. It can affect the functioning of the nervous system, which can lead to feelings of burnout, decreased motivation, and emotional exhaustion. Stress affects the amygdala, triggering the fight or flight response which as a result weakens the prefrontal cortex. In the short term, this can contribute to mental fatigue.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Statistics on the dangers of stress are even more alarming for community workers experiencing high stress levels daily. For instance, the COVID pandemic resulted in 60% of 1,209 healthcare workers<\/a> feeling burned out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Police officers also experience mental exhaustion due to working in rotating shifts<\/a> and a lack of sleep. About 85% of participants in a survey on burnout and stress in police officers<\/a> reported \u201chigh operational stress levels.\u201d Stress and exhaustion impair their judgment and ability to respond adequately in dire circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extreme physical activity can lead to mental exhaustion as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A study published in Frontiers in Neurology found a correlation between mental fatigue and physical activity<\/a>. The findings show that physical activities can accelerate mental exhaustion and have a significant effect on mental fatigue in general. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsey Rae Ackerman supports these claims:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPhysical exhaustion can have a profound impact on mental fatigue. When the body is tired, it can be difficult to focus, think clearly, and <\/em>manage emotions<\/em><\/a>, which can lead to feelings of mental fatigue.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you constantly exhausted and suspect you are being overworked? This blog post will be helpful: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Caring for our family members is fulfilling, but it can come with many stressors. When that stress remains continuous, it leads to chronic exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Founder of The Enemy of Average with a degree in behavioral psychology from Purdue University, Justin Gasparovic<\/a>, warns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFamily affairs can be tricky because families have these unique relationships where everyone is connected through blood or marriage and can have different ages, genders, and social statuses. These differences can lead to differing beliefs and expectations, making it hard to find common ground and leading to disagreements, stress, and tension.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n He explains why family dynamics can be challenging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFamily issues happen within a person’s personal life, making them feel even more raw and emotional. This can make disagreements more heated and family dynamics more challenging to navigate. And because families are often expected to be open and comfortable discussing sensitive topics, it can add even more pressure to an already challenging situation, making it a common cause of mental fatigue.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The National Library of Medicine published research on the mental health effects of family caregiving<\/a>. The study showed evidence of poor health habits in caregivers, such as resorting to low-quality nutrition and neglecting their own health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, spouses with shared personal characteristics and habits (poor nutrition and lack of physical exercise) are more likely to develop illnesses, thereby becoming mutual caregivers. All these factors result in increased depression and mental exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with poor lifestyle choices may experience mental fatigue more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what Lindsey Rae Ackerman had to say on the impact of lifestyle on our mental well-being:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA poor lifestyle can contribute to mental fatigue. Factors such as a lack of physical activity, poor sleep habits, unhealthy eating habits, and substance abuse can all impact mental health and lead to feelings of burnout.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Your diet matters more than you may think! For instance, a study published by Frontiers in Nutrition<\/a> showed that a proper intake of vitamin D can greatly reduce the symptoms of various issues such as concentration, mood swings, sleep problems, and fatigue. Furthermore, MDPI published a study<\/a> that showed a correlation between the gut microbiome (bacterial species in your body), diet, and mental fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Timothy Lyons highlighted the importance of nutrition on mental health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cConsider diet as another way to improve cognitive performance, which can include reducing mental fatigue. The brain needs a diverse variety of nutrients to function optimally and stay energized, including healthy fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Dr. Lyons also talked about sleep as a crucial cognitive exhaustion contributor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLike any other part of the human body, the brain has its limits. One of the reasons regular, sufficient sleep is so important is to give your brain an opportunity to rest and process the events of the day. Long periods of mental exertion can really take a toll on the brain, and if it isn\u2019t properly rested and nourished, it can be pushed to the point of exhaustion and dysfunction.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Toxic people may be the culprits for your mental exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, a study from the Journal of Affective Disorders<\/a> found that people with negative interactions with their inner circle are more likely to experience various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. A follow-up study<\/a> confirmed these statements and also found that poor-quality relationships have a significant effect on people\u2019s mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Lyons shared his take on toxic people around us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cToxic people appear in different places and moments in our lives, and they can be extremely exhausting. Sometimes toxicity is hard to identify, especially when it\u2019s coming from people we\u2019re close to because it can manifest itself in unique, often subtle ways. Emotionally, toxic people can wear away our sense of joy, self-esteem, and patience. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n He explains why toxicity can lead to mental fatigue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSpending lots of time around a toxic person can cause mental fatigue because the interaction is treated as a fight-or-flight task by the brain. Stress hormones come into play because interacting with a toxic person makes us feel uncomfortable and even threatened. The body goes into defense mode and the interaction becomes physically and mentally draining.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Dr. Lyons also adds that setting boundaries might do the trick:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “If there is a person in your friend group or family that is toxic, chances are that spending 10 minutes in a car with them will leave you feeling like you\u2019ve spent three hours in an exam. In most cases, it\u2019s important to set very strong but healthy boundaries and manage any toxic relationship with caution.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Mental](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Mental-fatigue-cover.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is mental fatigue?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How experts define mental fatigue <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Larry](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Larry-Ford.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Tim](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Tim-lyons-headshot.jpg\")
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How a clinical counselor recognized mental fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Linda](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Linda-Whiteside.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat is not mental fatigue?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stress vs. mental fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Brain fog vs. mental fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Lindsey](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Lindsey-Rae-Ackerman.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe most common mental fatigue symptoms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Emotional symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Physical symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Behavioral symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What causes mental fatigue?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cause #1: Chronic stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCause #2: Physical exhaustion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cause #3: Family issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Justin](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Justin-Gasparovic-630x630.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCause #4: Poor lifestyle choices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCause #5: Toxic people in your inner circle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Karen](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Karen-Mustian.jpg\")
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