SCIENTISTS CLAIM THINKING 'HURTS' AND CAUSES UNPLEASANT FEELINGS: THE COGNITIVE LOAD OF MENTAL EFFORT

Have you ever sat down to solve a tough problem only to feel intellectually exhausted or physically uncomfortable afterwards? Or perhaps after a long day of intensive pondering, you feel fatigue that rivals that of a rigorous workout. It turns out that you are not alone in this experience. According to scientists, thinking, particularly when it requires persistent mental work, can generate discomfort and even unpleasant feelings. But why is this happening?

According to new study into the brain's cognitive processes, thinking, particularly complicated or hard thought, requires a lot of energy and can cause emotions of mental strain equivalent to pain. Let's look at the science behind why thinking can 'pain' and what this means for how we tackle mental tasks in our daily lives.

THE ENERGY DEMANDS OF THE BRAIN

Despite accounting for only about 2% of body weight, the human brain consumes an astounding 20% of the body's energy reserves. This energy is mostly produced from glucose, which powers the brain's different processes such as thinking, reasoning, remembering, and problem solving. When you participate in activities that require higher cognitive functions—such as solving a math problem, reading difficult material, or making vital decisions—your brain's energy consumption increases.

Neuroscientists discovered that tasks requiring high mental focus and problem solving engage numerous parts of the brain, resulting in **cognitive load**. The greater the cognitive load, the more energy the brain expends, and the more difficult the activity feels. This is why, after hours of studying for a test or working on a difficult assignment, you may feel absolutely exhausted, similar to how you do after physical activity.

MENTAL FATIGUE AND DISCOMFORT

'mental tiredness' is one of the most prevalent sensations people report when they spend long periods of time thinking. Mental weariness is more than just feeling tired; it's an overpowering sense of cognitive overload that makes even easy tasks seem unattainable. This syndrome is frequently related with overexertion and depletion of the brain's energy reserves.

But what about the discomfort or even 'pain' that some people experience after exerting persistent mental effort?

Scientists now believe that the discomfort associated with extended thought may be due to the brain's response to tiredness. Similar to how muscles feel sore after physical activity due to lactic acid buildup, the brain expresses discomfort when it has been working too hard for too long. It's a mechanism for the brain to convey that it needs to rest, similar to how physical pain warns us when we should stop doing something dangerous.

THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE EFFORT AND AVOIDANCE

Surprisingly, many of us are predisposed to 'avoid' jobs that demand significant cognitive effort. A study published in the journal *Nature Neuroscience* revealed that people avoid activities that they perceive to be intellectually taxing, even if they can complete them. This avoidance is often caused by the brain's desire to conserve energy. The more complex or unfamiliar a task appears, the more cognitive resources are required, and the brain, seeking efficiency, attempts to avoid certain tasks entirely.

This is referred to as the 'cognitive effort avoidance hypothesis' by psychologists, and it proposes that we naturally seek out tasks that require less mental strain in order to conserve brain resources. In sum, our brains dislike having to think too hard for too long since it is exhausting, uncomfortable, and sometimes even unpleasant.

THINKING AND EMOTIONAL DISCOMFORT

Thinking causes ‘emotional discomfort’ in addition to physical discomfort from energy use and cognitive strain. When we overthink or engage in ongoing problem solving, we frequently experience anxiety, worry, or stress, particularly when dealing with complex personal or professional difficulties. These emotions can intensify the sense of discomfort and make thinking more difficult.

Researchers discovered that those who engage in repetitive negative thinking, such as rumination, are more likely to report experiences of mental distress. The combination of emotional strain and cognitive work creates a feedback loop in which thinking becomes increasingly difficult and uncomfortable, thus lowering motivation and desire to continue.

DOES THINKING REALLY ‘HURT’?

While it may not be physical pain in the classic sense, the discomfort created by mental strain is genuine. It is caused by a variety of circumstances, including energy depletion, cognitive overload, emotional stress, and the brain's natural tendency to avoid difficult tasks.

The good news is that, much like physical activity, cognitive effort is required to develop mental strength and resilience. While thinking can be difficult at times, consistently exercising your brain can result in long-term cognitive gains. Just as muscles strengthen with exercise, mental workouts can help the brain become more efficient and effective, even if they can be exhausting at times.

HOW TO MANAGE MENTAL FATIGUE AND DISCOMFORT

Understanding that thinking can induce discomfort is the first step toward controlling it successfully. Here are a few methods to assist reduce mental strain:

1. BREAKS: Take regular breaks from mentally demanding tasks to allow your brain to rest and refuel. Breaks might help to replenish your cognitive resources and make thinking less taxing.

2. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS: Mindfulness techniques can assist minimize the emotional strain that comes with tough thinking. Mindfulness can lower stress and make cognitive activities seem less onerous.

3. EXERCISE: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can improve cognitive function, making thinking easier and less taxing over time.

4. SLEEP: Sleep is necessary for cognitive repair. Without adequate rest, the brain struggles to complete even fundamental activities, causing increasing discomfort during mental exertion.

5. TRAIN YOUR BRAIN: Mental fitness, like physical health, can be improved with practice. Puzzles, reading, and learning new abilities can all help you enhance your cognitive endurance.

CONCLUSION

While thinking may not be as painful as a physical hurt, it can be uncomfortable if done for an extended amount of time. Cognitive load, mental exhaustion, and emotional strain all contribute to the sensation of'mental agony' that we feel after extended thought. Understanding the science of why thinking hurts allows us to develop better ways for managing it, making our mental efforts more productive and less uncomfortable.