You really can think so hard it hurts. Here's what to do about it

Put your thinking cap on, people often hear — after all, that’s what our brain is for and what many are paid to do. But a new study finds that people see a downside to such mental expenditures: Thinking can be a pain.

A study found that mental effort can be unpleasant, causing annoyance, frustration, and stress. The study also revealed that some individuals chose physical pain over mental strain, even when the pain was intense. Thinking hard can be exhausting, leading to fatigue and the inability to multitask. People may also miss out on more enjoyable opportunities due to the mental effort required.

A meta-analysis of 170 studies from 2019 to 2020 showed that even in tasks with control, autonomy, skilled performance, feedback, real-life significance, and a clear beginning and end, the mental effort remained negative. Even engaging and fun tasks did not alleviate the unpleasantness associated with mental effort.

Although mental effort can be aversive, it can also bring value and meaning to life. Mental efforts can be rewarded and appreciated after completion, giving individuals a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

To make the mental effort more delightful, employers, teachers, and managers should support and reward individuals for their mental efforts. Small gestures and breaks can significantly impact burnout levels. Regular breaks, tailored to individual preferences, and self-care are crucial for maintaining mental well-being.

It’s important to choose healthy self-care options, such as exercise and meditation, rather than relying on alcohol or comfort foods. Practicing gratitude and compassion, both towards others and oneself, can also help alleviate the negative effects of mental strain.

Lastly, it’s essential to be understanding and compassionate towards oneself. Feeling irritated or flustered by a mental task is part of being human. Humans instinctively conserve energy, both physically and mentally, as it is essential for survival.