Signs You May Have 'Brain Rot'

What is Brain Rot? Why is Brain Rot dangerous? Here are the signs and ways to prevent brain rot .

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' Brain rot ' has been named Oxford's Word of the Year for 2024, and many of us may be wondering if we have it. The word refers to the mental and intellectual decline caused by consuming too much online content. You see, all those short videos you watch on your phone can actually be damaging to your mental state. So, let's take a look at the symptoms and how you can avoid brain rot.

Signs of brain rot

Memory problems

Memory loss due to brain degeneration can really make people lose focus. It makes it difficult to remember important details, like your name or what you had for lunch yesterday. This can make you lose focus at work, causing tasks to take longer or even making conversations awkward. It can also start to affect relationships because people may feel like you're not paying attention.

Make bad decisions

Have you been making really bad or impulsive decisions lately? It could be a sign of a degenerative brain. When people make impulsive choices or overlook important details, whether in their work, personal lives, or even finances, their mental state can suffer.

They may skip smart choices or ignore the consequences, leading to stress, mistakes, and sometimes bigger problems down the road. You may feel like you're just acting out of habit without really thinking things through.

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Mental fatigue

People with asthenia often feel mentally exhausted because their brains are constantly working overtime just to handle basic tasks. It's like trying to run a marathon without sleep. Simple things—like focusing, making decisions, or even remembering things—become much more tiring.

Over time, this mental exhaustion builds up, making it difficult to stay alert, productive, or even enjoy things. It's like your brain battery is constantly running out.

Performance degradation

Brain deterioration affects people's ability to concentrate, remember details, and think clearly—all of which are important for school or work. Tasks that were once easy can become overwhelming, and simple mistakes become more common. Because of mental fog and constant fatigue, they can't perform at their normal level, making it harder to complete assignments or meet deadlines.

Over time, this can lead to slipping grades or falling behind at work. It's like trying to run a race with your feet stuck in the mud.

Limitations in physical activity

It's not just your mind that's affected; your body can feel it, too. Mental fatigue and brain fog make it difficult to maintain motivation, focus, or energy to exercise or stay active. It's like your brain is too tired to motivate your body to move.

Even simple activities can feel like a chore, and that lack of energy can make it difficult to keep up with exercise or physical routines. Over time, this leads to a decrease in fitness levels, making the body sluggish and less active.

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Ways to prevent brain breakdown

Preventing brain fog is all about keeping your mind and body in balance. Here are some simple things you can try:

1. Take regular breaks: Don't let your brain get overloaded. Get away from the screen, stretch, or go for a walk to give your brain a break.
2. Stay Active: Exercise is key. It boosts brain function, reduces stress, and maintains your energy levels.
3. Get Good Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for brain health. Make sure you get enough rest to recharge your brain.
4. Eat brain-boosting foods: Foods like berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables help keep the mind sharp and reduce brain fog.
5. Stay social: Connect with people—whether it's friends, family, or coworkers. Social interactions can keep your mind busy and help combat isolation.
6. Practice mindfulness: Meditation or simple breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve focus, keeping your brain clear and sharp.

Lesley Montoya

Update 26 January 2025