The feeling of mental exhaustion can sometimes seem like an insistent companion. Although it is an experience that many live, we do not always know how to manage it properly. Marian Rojas Estapé, one of the most recognized psychiatrists in the country, has visited Herrera at COPE to provide an explanation and solutions for this phenomenon that affects many people.
According to Rojas Estapé, burnout is due to an overload of the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain that facilitates deep thinking and empathy. This zone does not have unlimited capacity and can be depleted if overloaded with superficial rather than deep tasks. It’s like a battery that’s running out.
Rojas Estapé warns that “we have become addicted to irrelevance”, focusing on the superficial and the gimmicky, leaving little room for the depth that the prefrontal cortex needs to function optimally. This imbalance contributes to mental exhaustion.
The psychologist illustrates this point with the example of the culture of fast content, such as listening to fast-paced audios or watching fast videos, which prevents the processing of information in a complete and satisfactory manner. According to a study carried out in the United States, this practice can be compared to eating quickly without appreciating the flavors, missing out on the details that enrich the experience.
Furthermore, Rojas Estapé points out that the constant search for dopamine through quick and easy stimuli blocks the ability to carry out activities that require more effort and concentration. This leads to “cognitive degradation”, where it becomes increasingly difficult to read or think critically and therefore simple activities are desired.
To combat this cycle of exhaustion, Rojas Estapé recommends a conscious reduction in the consumption of superficial stimuli and incorporating habits that require greater concentration and reflection. For example, spending time reading novels or practicing creative writing can stimulate the prefrontal cortex. Likewise, activities such as chess or complex puzzles are excellent for strengthening these cognitive skills.
Regular practice of these activities not only helps restore our mental balance, but also improves our ability to manage stress and enriches our life experience, allowing us to appreciate the details that are often ignored due to fast-paced living.
