You’re not lazy, you’re exhausted: Why we’re struggling with mental fatigue

Have you ever sat down to get something done, but your brain just refuses to cooperate? You’re staring at the screen, scrolling aimlessly, feeling guilty for not being productive—but no matter how much you push yourself, you just can’t focus.

The world tells you you’re lazy, but the truth is, you’re not. You’re exhausted.

Often, we’re labelled as unmotivated or unwilling to “put in the work,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Many of us are juggling academic pressure, financial stress, family expectations, and the constant need to stay afloat in an unpredictable world. It’s not laziness—it’s burnout.

Let’s unpack why mental fatigue is hitting so hard and what we can do about it.

Why are we so mentally exhausted?
1. The pressure to always be productive
In our culture, hard work is highly valued. From a young age, many of us are taught that rest is a privilege, not a necessity.

If you’re not working, studying, or building something, you’re wasting time. 
But the constant need to “be doing something” leaves little room for genuine rest. Even when we take breaks, we feel guilty—so we turn to social media, keeping our brains overstimulated instead of allowing them to recharge.

2. Financial stress and uncertain futures
Stepping into adulthood today means facing an economic landscape that's tougher than ever. The cost of living keeps rising, job security is uncertain, and opportunities often feel limited.

Many young people take on multiple responsibilities—side hustles, small businesses, or freelance work—to make ends meet. The result? Constant financial anxiety that makes it hard to truly relax.

3. Social media overload
We wake up and check our phones. We scroll before bed. We’re constantly plugged into an endless stream of content—news, success stories, people achieving things we haven’t.

Social media fuels comparison, and comparison fuels exhaustion. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, even when you’re doing your best.

4. Family expectations and emotional labour
For many, family responsibility starts early. Whether it’s contributing financially, helping raise younger siblings, or navigating cultural expectations, the emotional labour is real.

It’s hard to focus on personal growth when you feel responsible for holding things together at home.

The science behind mental fatigue
Mental exhaustion isn’t just in your head—it’s a real psychological state. The brain, just like the body, gets tired. Studies show that prolonged stress leads to decision fatigue, where even simple choices feel overwhelming. 

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for focus and self-control, literally slows down under chronic stress. That’s why you feel drained even when you’ve done “nothing.”

How to recover from mental exhaustion
1. Normalise rest without guilt 
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. You don’t need to “earn” breaks. Whether it’s taking a nap, watching a show, or just sitting in silence, rest is productive because it helps your brain reset.

2. Set boundaries with social media
Your brain wasn’t meant to process an endless stream of information. Try digital detoxes—put your phone away an hour before bed, limit your time on comparison-heavy apps, and be mindful of who you follow. Not everything needs your attention.

3. Stop measuring your worth by productivity
Success isn’t just about how much you produce. It’s also about your well-being. If you’re burnt out, you’re not failing—you’re human. Redefine success to include peace, joy, and health, not just achievements.

4. Create a routine that includes breaks
Your brain works best with structured rest. Try the 90-minute work, 20-minute break rule. This method follows your brain’s natural energy cycles, making it easier to stay focused without burning out.

5. Talk about it
Mental exhaustion isn’t a sign of weakness, and you’re not alone in this. Whether it’s with a trusted friend, a mentor, or a therapist, expressing your feelings can help lighten the burden.

The pressure to always be productive has left many of us mentally drained, questioning our worth when we’re not achieving. But success isn’t just about how much we do—it’s also about how well we take care of ourselves. 

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s time to stop glorifying burnout and start embracing balance.

The goal isn’t to push harder but to live smarter, creating a future where well-being and ambition can coexist.

Haika Gerson is a writer and psychology student at the University of Derby, passionate about human behaviour and mental well-being.