The human mind can juggle an amazing amount of information — but there is a limit. “At some point, you reach a critical mass,” says psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD. “You start missing things, avoiding things, getting angry, and struggling at work, home or in your relationships.”
5 Tips to End Brain Overload
- Do it now – Sometimes the best way to get it out of your head is to just get it done. Whatever is taking up mental space — shopping for groceries, replying to that email, lifting weights, scheduling a dentist appointment — stop thinking and start doing it.
- Plan all the things – Don’t just schedule the obvious, like appointments and meetings. Fill in blocks of free time with the little items that have been taking up brain space. Schedule both the fun and the not-so-fun.
- Be true to your schedule – Scheduling tasks commits you to doing them. It’s a great way to reduce mental overload.
- Is it time to skip it? – If you keep avoiding something for weeks (or months), ask yourself: Does it really need to get done? If not, cross it off your list for good.
- Ask for help – You can’t expect other people to rescue you from your obligations, but you can ask for assistance.