In today’s fast-paced world, where devices and constant distractions dominate, we rarely take time to simply sit and think. A recent video by Palki Sharma on Vantage explores the discomfort many of us feel when forced to focus on nothing but our own thoughts. Surprisingly, thinking, especially deep thinking, can feel like a chore, sometimes even painful. So, why does thinking hurt the brain?
The Science Behind It
Research suggests that thinking is something humans often try to avoid. A study by Harvard University more than a decade ago made this clear. Researchers placed participants in a completely empty room with nothing to occupy their minds except their thoughts. The only thing in the room was a chair with wires, and a button that delivered small electric shocks. The participants had to sit for 15 minutes, doing nothing but thinking.
The results were startling. Many participants became restless, unable to focus for the full 15 minutes. A majority of the men and a quarter of the women chose to press the button, delivering uncomfortable electric shocks to themselves, just to escape the boredom and difficulty of thinking. One participant even shocked himself 190 times during the study!
Why did they do this? Because thinking, especially without distractions, is hard. The brain has no pain receptors, so thinking doesn’t literally hurt. However, mentally, it can be exhausting, much like physical exercise.
Why Is Thinking So Exhausting?
Thinking requires a lot of energy. Every time we make a decision, suppress a desire, or control our emotions, the brain is at work. These processes demand sustained attention, and over time, they tire the brain out. For example, when you resist the urge to scratch an itch or when you choose what to wear, your brain is making decisions, often subconsciously. Similarly, being polite to someone who is rude also requires effort, as your brain is working to control your impulses.
All this mental effort uses up your body’s resources, leaving you tired or even irritable. Much like a muscle gets sore after exercise, the brain can feel drained after heavy thinking.
How to Cope with the Mental Exhaustion
Although thinking is unavoidable, there are ways to minimize the mental strain:
- Treat Thinking Like Exercise
Just as muscles grow stronger with use, the brain becomes more efficient with practice. The more you engage in deep thinking, the easier it becomes.
- Know When to Take a Break
After a long day of mental work, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. It’s important to recognize when your brain needs a break. Giving your mind a rest will help you recover faster and maintain clarity.
- Conserve Your Mental Energy
Humans are not good at multitasking. Despite what many believe, the brain doesn’t handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead, it switches between tasks rapidly, which adds to mental fatigue. By focusing on one thing at a time, you reduce the overall mental load.
Conclusion: Thinking Is Hard, but Necessary
Thinking is one of the most accessible activities in the world—it’s free, and we all do it. But it comes at a cost. While we can’t avoid thinking, we can train our minds to handle it better and know when to ease up. With some awareness and practice, we can make thinking less painful and more productive. So, the next time you feel mentally exhausted after a long day, remember, your brain has been hard at work!
