Always feel exhausted at the end of the work day – even though all you’ve done is sit at a desk?
It turns out, mental concentration leads to changes in the brain that really can wear us out, researchers from Pitie-Salpetriere University in France have found.
When we carry out intense mental work over several hours, potentially toxic by-products can build up in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, according to the study. The result? That sense of mental fatigue sets in.
Ever felt irrational and cranky after hours of focusing on work tasks? Well, this could be why. The research found this process can alter our control over decisions, so we shift toward actions that require no effort or waiting. Essentially, the brain sort of starts to shut itself down.
“All this science simply means that thinking hard for sustained periods leads to mental exhaustion, and an interruption in executive functioning required to plan and make decisions,” says leadership and mental health expert, Ngozi Cadmus. “Fatigue thus becomes an inevitable consequence of using so much mind power.”
Not only is this mental exhaustion a bother in itself, these things can have a wider impact. As Cadmus notes: “Sustained exhaustion can lead to difficulties in a person’s daily life, impacting relationships and daily activities and inhibiting normal functioning.”
So, what can we do to help combat it?
Prioritise rest
In our productivity-obsessed world, making rest time a priority is vital. “If regular rest is not incorporated into a person’s daily structure, it can disrupt brain function,” says Cadmus. “Therefore, rest is essential to allow for the proper regulation of [the neurotransmitter] glutamate to its normal levels.”
Seek variety
Paula Allen, senior vice-president of research and total wellbeing at LifeWorks (lifeworks.com/en), says doing hours on end of the same tasks can exhaust our brains.
“The simple lack of variety in our daily routine is itself a mental strain, which many do not recognize. We need a balanced ‘diet’ for our brain, as much as we need one nutritionally,” explains Allen, who says we need “experiences that offer fun, accomplishment, connection with others, movement and changes of scenery. We feel unduly fatigued and more irritable when our range of mental stimulation is too narrow.
“When working from home, many employees also lose out on structural cues that are present in the office, such as meetings and scheduled lunch breaks. For some, this means breaks never happen. For others, it affects the ability to focus on a task in a time bound manner, as one hour blurs into the next.
“It’s important to listen to our bodies. If you’re finding a task you used to do seamlessly in the workplace now feel like a chore, then it’s time to take a break.”
Have a consistent night-time routine
For Cadmus, getting “a minimum of eight hours of sleep a night is important” for balancing mental exhaustion.
Allen agrees: “Sleep is major factor in both physical and mental wellbeing, and one that is currently at risk. Our Mental Health Index found 40% of Brits want to improve their sleep, demonstrating a need to address mental stress and provide information on general sleep hygiene as part of their wellbeing support and solutions.”
Take regular desk breaks
As well as your main rest time and lunch break, regular short breaks from your work station can make a big difference. Chances are you’ll be more efficient and productive overall.
“Step back, pay attention to your limits and communicate how you feel to your manager. Communication and problem-solving between employers and employees is key, and is becoming even more important as we navigate the post-pandemic working world,” Allen advises.
Cadmus also emphasises that “regular exercise” is beneficial for the brain and stress levels. So why not fit in a lunchtime run or workout, or step out for a short walk?
Stay hydrated
Dehydration makes us all feel groggier and more tired too, so ensure you drink enough water throughout the day. If mental fatigue is bothering you, consider reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake as well, says Cadmus. This will help mitigate the stress your brain is under.
EXPLAINED: Why you feel exhausted after a day at your desk & Latest News Update
EXPLAINED: Why you feel exhausted after a day at your desk & More Live News
All this news that I have made and shared for you people, you will like it very much and in it we keep bringing topics for you people like every time so that you keep getting news information like trending topics and you It is our goal to be able to get
all kinds of news without going through us so that we can reach you the latest and best news for free so that you can move ahead further by getting the information of that news together with you. Later on, we will continue
to give information about more today world news update types of latest news through posts on our website so that you always keep moving forward in that news and whatever kind of information will be there, it will definitely be conveyed to you people.
EXPLAINED: Why you feel exhausted after a day at your desk & More News Today
All this news that I have brought up to you or will be the most different and best news that you people are not going to get anywhere, along with the information Trending News, Breaking News, Health News, Science News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Technology News, Business News, World News of this made available to all of you so that you are always connected with the news, stay ahead in the matter and keep getting today news all types of news for free till today so that you can get the news by getting it. Always take two steps forward
Credit Goes To News Website – This Original Content Owner News Website . This Is Not My Content So If You Want To Read Original Content You Can Follow Below Links