Why it Hurts to Think Hard

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the unpleasant nature of mental effort and how our brains try to avoid it, even though challenging our minds is important for long-term mental capacity. It explores the biological mechanisms behind this, such as the buildup of toxic chemicals in the brain during intense cognitive tasks, and the importance of taking breaks to recharge.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Brain Overload and Mental Effort

1. What happens when the brain is overloaded with complex decisions or math-related tasks?

• The brain overheats and the person experiences serious discomfort, described as frustration, irritation, stress or annoyance.
• This is a real phenomenon, not just a feeling, and the brain tries to avoid it subconsciously.

2. What is the difference between routine thought and intensive thought?

• Routine thought refers to making easy decisions, doing repetitive tasks, or the constant mental chatter.
• Intensive thought involves serious mental exertion, such as learning new technologies, problem-solving, or dealing with important family pressures.

3. What did the research study find about the relationship between mental effort and unpleasantness?

• Across 170 studies involving 4,670 people from 29 countries, the greater the mental effort reported, the more unpleasant the task was deemed.
• This finding was consistent regardless of where people lived or what job they had.

[02] Biological Basis for Avoiding Mental Effort

1. What happens in the brain during intense cognitive tasks?

• Toxic chemicals, specifically high levels of glutamate, build up in the brain's prefrontal cortex.
• This leads to less-effective thinking and acts as a "circuit breaker" to prevent the brain from being overworked.

2. What other physiological changes occur during heavy thinking?

• The brain burns a lot of glucose, the primary fuel, leading to a decline in the feel-good chemical dopamine and lowering motivation.

3. What is the purpose of these biological responses?

• They serve as warning signs and mechanisms to make the person stop working and give the brain a break, in order to preserve the integrity of brain functioning.

[03] The Importance of Taking Breaks

1. What is the recommended solution when the brain is overworked?

• Take real downtime - get away, don't check email, don't try to accomplish anything, and just relax.

2. What are the benefits of taking time off work to relax and rejuvenate?

• It is vital for mental well-being and happiness.
• It is also crucial for ultimate productivity, as working too many hours is responsible for a 29% increase in premature deaths since 2000.

3. Why is it difficult for modern humans to stop striving and take breaks?

• We are victims of the 24/7 treadmill of life, struggling to stop planning, doing, rethinking, and overthinking everything, even briefly.