5 ms·

I completely agree, I used to paint in the summers. As soon as work was done, I was having fun and full of energy. Now, as a developer, I can barely hold a conv

I completely agree, I used to paint in the summers. As soon as work was done, I was having fun and full of energy. Now, as a developer, I can barely hold a conversation with my girlfriend I have so little energy left after a day of work.

KGIII 9y ago
I'm a mathematician, and haven't any idea why it is this way. I suppose there's a name for it, a reason for it, and a bunch of people with varied opinions on it. But, it does seem true. It does seem that I'm much more exhausted after mental labor (for wont of a better term). I'm retired, today. I do all sorts of manual labor, even though I don't really need to. It doesn't really tire me out that much. Yet, the mental work is still relatively exhausting. I have no idea why.
- bigmanwalter 9y ago
  I believe that our bodies weren't designed to handle intense mental processing for such long bouts. It's no wonder mathematicians, developers and other knowledge workers require immense volumes of caffeine to get anything done. The use of caffeine results in a light activation of the fight or flight response. I'm sure it plays a role in the exhaustion. Especially when the "threats" are ever present unrealistic deadlines.
  - KGIII 9y ago
    This is, distinctly, not my domain. But, curiosity struck and so I went to the almighty Google and found this: https://www.livescience.com/5325-mental-fatigue-perceived-physical-exhaustion.html https://www.livescience.com/5325-mental-fatigue-perceived-ph... You may find it interesting, so I figured I'd share it. I offer no opinions, other than to say it is interesting and that the study was done with a very small sample size. (I'm unqualified to opine beyond that.)
    - bigmanwalter 9y ago
      A lot of research around Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is pointing toward mitochondria as being a prime culprit. As the most energy consuming organ in our body, I would expect the brain to quickly use up our easy-to-access / quick release energy so it's really not so surprising to me. I have no biology degree, but I find it interesting and have no problems opining about :p I've often found a smoothie made with fresh fruit to work well against mental fatigue. Often it's as or more effective than a cup of coffee.
      - KGIII 9y ago
        LOL I avoid opining on some subjects. I used to be married to a lady who was quite proud of me. Well, so to speak. She used to take me to these fancy parties where people dress funny and eat crap I can't pronounce - they also use utensils for certain dishes and all sorts of fancy stuff. Well, she'd introduce me as, "Dr. KGIII." Now, I don't want to say people are stupid - but this frequently resulted in me being asked medical questions. I, being drunk more often than not, would give absurd medical advice. I've since learned to not opine on anything medically related, as it seems to result in people coming back to me with very angry moods. So, certain subjects I try just let the links speak for themselves. It works. Also, my method was to remain in a fairly constant state of inebriation. It was surprisingly effective, though I'm not sure I'd recommend other people try it.

KGIII 9y ago

I'm a mathematician, and haven't any idea why it is this way. I suppose there's a name for it, a reason for it, and a bunch of people with varied opinions on it. But, it does seem true. It does seem that I'm much more exhausted after mental labor (for wont of a better term). I'm retired, today. I do all sorts of manual labor, even though I don't really need to. It doesn't really tire me out that much. Yet, the mental work is still relatively exhausting. I have no idea why.

bigmanwalter 9y ago
I believe that our bodies weren't designed to handle intense mental processing for such long bouts. It's no wonder mathematicians, developers and other knowledge workers require immense volumes of caffeine to get anything done. The use of caffeine results in a light activation of the fight or flight response. I'm sure it plays a role in the exhaustion. Especially when the "threats" are ever present unrealistic deadlines.
- KGIII 9y ago
  This is, distinctly, not my domain. But, curiosity struck and so I went to the almighty Google and found this: https://www.livescience.com/5325-mental-fatigue-perceived-physical-exhaustion.html https://www.livescience.com/5325-mental-fatigue-perceived-ph... You may find it interesting, so I figured I'd share it. I offer no opinions, other than to say it is interesting and that the study was done with a very small sample size. (I'm unqualified to opine beyond that.)
  - bigmanwalter 9y ago
    A lot of research around Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is pointing toward mitochondria as being a prime culprit. As the most energy consuming organ in our body, I would expect the brain to quickly use up our easy-to-access / quick release energy so it's really not so surprising to me. I have no biology degree, but I find it interesting and have no problems opining about :p I've often found a smoothie made with fresh fruit to work well against mental fatigue. Often it's as or more effective than a cup of coffee.
    - KGIII 9y ago
      LOL I avoid opining on some subjects. I used to be married to a lady who was quite proud of me. Well, so to speak. She used to take me to these fancy parties where people dress funny and eat crap I can't pronounce - they also use utensils for certain dishes and all sorts of fancy stuff. Well, she'd introduce me as, "Dr. KGIII." Now, I don't want to say people are stupid - but this frequently resulted in me being asked medical questions. I, being drunk more often than not, would give absurd medical advice. I've since learned to not opine on anything medically related, as it seems to result in people coming back to me with very angry moods. So, certain subjects I try just let the links speak for themselves. It works. Also, my method was to remain in a fairly constant state of inebriation. It was surprisingly effective, though I'm not sure I'd recommend other people try it.