Too Many Tabs Open: Unlocking Small Rests to Calm a Mentally Overloaded Brain

While navigating campus life, personal life, and work life, all while thinking about your future, it can feel like your brain has 85 different tabs open. And while many of us navigate them all daily, after a while, it can become overwhelming to the point where your mind feels heavy. This causes a level of tiredness that even sleep can’t cure.

Mental overload happens to everyone at some point. Also known as cognitive overload, it is commonly described as the brain being overwhelmed by too much information or by a complex task.  We often forget that the brain is one of the most important organs, serving as the body's command center. 

While the importance is immense, it is often overlooked due to a lack of direct maintenance. We often don’t think about how things impact our brains and how our day-to-day actions play a part. When we hit mental overload, the information we receive becomes unable to be processed and leads to brain fog or mental exhaustion. This being prolonged or persistent can cause increased anxiety and stress and eventually burnout, a chronic state of exhaustion that leads to mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. 

But mental overload isn’t always debilitating, showing up in subtle ways that we may overlook. Rereading the same sentence, quickly forgetting why you are starting a new task, feeling extremely busy, but still not productive enough, can be signs that you need to rest. 

Being told to rest can seem easier said than done, but it can be crucial to improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Rest allows you to take a much-needed pause to reset intentions. This is vital for cognitive function, helping boost mood and enhance brain energy use. This doesn’t need to be a grand vacation; rather, it's about small actions that can calm your brain. If you need quick ways to rest, here are a few ways you can throughout the day:

Take a Music Break

Are you up to date on the latest songs or albums? When was the last time you listened to your favorite song? Maybe it is time to take a break, connect your headphones to your phone, and enjoy the rhythm. Take this time to check out of the world and focus your brain on the music. 

Step Away From Your Screen

Sometimes a break from your phone or laptop can make all the difference. Not only are you giving your mind a break, but your eyes, too.

Do Nothing (On Purpose)

A lot of our downtime can easily be co-opted for doomscrolling or other media. But, doing nothing can be the rest your brain really needs. Try sitting, breathing, and letting your mind slow down for a moment. Let your thoughts come to a halt for the true reset.