Image via Fastic
Ever felt like your brain is straight-up betraying you? Whether it's refusing to think, create, or even decide what to have for breakfast, you're not alone. The internet has given us the perfect terms to describe these mental "glitches," so let's decode your brain!
1- Brain Rot – The Doomscrolling Disease
You open TikTok for a quick break, and the next thing you know, you've gone down a rabbit hole of cat videos and conspiracy theories. Brain rot is what happens when your brain gets overloaded with passive content—too much scrolling and too little thinking. The result? A sluggish mind that struggles to focus. The cure? Change your routine. Read something engaging, go outside without your phone, or finish that book you keep pretending to read. Another way to fix a brain rot is the dopamine fasting technique, which basically allows your brain to be bored and understimulated by cutting off social media, music, series, or whatever keeps your brain entertained for 2-3 days.
2- Creative or Art Block – When Your Muse Goes on Vacation
You sit down to create something groundbreaking, and… nothing! It's like your creativity hit "Do Not Disturb." Art block happens when pressure, self-doubt, or exhaustion drain your inspiration. Instead of forcing it, shake things up. Change your scenery, work on something completely unrelated, or sketch out your worst ideas first—sometimes, the messiest drafts lead to the best work. Lastly, try to charge your creative battery often by consuming art as much as you create it; this will allow your creative battery to recharge through inspiration and different perspectives.
3- Burnout – The "I Physically Cannot Anymore" Syndrome
There's tiredness, and then there's burnout—the kind that makes even basic tasks feel impossible. It creeps up after endless deadlines, zero breaks, and the weight of trying to do it all. The only way out? Step back before your brain self-destructs. Take an actual break, do something fun without feeling guilty, and remind yourself that rest isn't a reward—it's a necessity.
4- Neuroinflammation – Your Brain is Lowkey on Fire
Yes, this is a real thing. Your brain gets inflamed when stress, poor sleep, and junk food gang up on you. The result? Irritability, slow thinking, and the inability to focus on anything for too long. Want to cool it down? Prioritise sleep, stay hydrated, and add some brain-loving foods to your diet—think salmon, walnuts, and dark chocolate (yes, chocolate counts!).
5- Brain Fog – The "What Was I Saying Again?" Phenomenon
Image via Tennant Products
You enter a room and forget why you're there. You reread the same sentence five times. Your brain feels like it's wrapped in a thick layer of mist. Brain fog can be caused by stress, dehydration, or just running on empty for too long. The trick? Get moving. A quick walk, fresh air, or even blasting your favourite hype song can snap you out of it and bring back some clarity.
Final Thoughts? Your Brain is NOT Broken!
These mental glitches are annoying, but they're not forever. Sometimes, all your brain needs is a little reset. So next time it refuses to cooperate, don't panic—switch things up, and you'll be back to full power in no time.
