Introduction
In recent years, many people find themselves saying the same sentence: “I used to be more patient; now I can’t tolerate anything.” Minor delays, simple requests, or even ordinary background noise can trigger intense inner tension. This change cannot be explained solely by personal weakness or a lack of resilience. On the contrary, it is closely linked to the accelerated pace of modern life, constant exposure to stimuli, and increasing mental load. One of the key psychological concepts that explains this phenomenon is overstimulation. When the nervous system remains continuously activated, tolerance thresholds gradually decrease and mental exhaustion becomes chronic. This article explores why our tolerance has diminished in the age of mental overload and examines the psychological mechanisms behind this shift.
Development
What Is Mental Exhaustion?
Mental exhaustion refers to the depletion of cognitive and emotional resources due to prolonged demands. This state is not caused only by intense work schedules but also by constant notifications, news consumption, social media exposure, noise, and the endless need to make decisions. When the brain is deprived of opportunities to rest and reset, it remains in a constant state of alertness, activating stress responses that were never designed to operate continuously.
Overstimulation And The Nervous System
Overstimulation places significant strain on the nervous system’s natural capacity for regulation. Under normal conditions, the autonomic nervous system shifts flexibly between states of activation and relaxation. However, constant digital input, responsibilities, and uncertainty interrupt this balance. The sympathetic nervous system—responsible for fight-or-flight responses—becomes dominant, while the parasympathetic system, which supports rest and recovery, remains underactive. This physiological imbalance often manifests as irritability, low frustration tolerance, and emotional reactivity.
One of my clients once said, “No one is doing anything terrible to me, but even small noises make me feel overwhelmed.” As we examined her daily routine, we noticed a pattern: checking her phone immediately upon waking, constant notifications throughout the day, and consuming news content late into the evening. The issue was not a single stressor but cumulative overstimulation.
Why Does Tolerance Decrease?
In psychology, tolerance threshold refers to an individual’s capacity to endure stress without becoming dysregulated. Continuous overstimulation gradually lowers this threshold. According to Baumeister and colleagues’ self-control model, mental and emotional resources are finite and can be depleted through excessive use (Baumeister et al., 1998). As mental energy diminishes, individuals become increasingly sensitive to stimuli they previously managed with ease.
Decision fatigue further accelerates this process. Each small decision—what to wear, what to eat, how to respond to a message—requires cognitive effort. Over time, these seemingly insignificant choices drain mental energy. By the end of the day, there is little capacity left for patience, flexibility, or emotional regulation.
Disrupted Emotional Regulation
Mental exhaustion also interferes with emotional regulation. Individuals struggle to soothe themselves, and emotional reactions become faster and more intense. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. Many people respond by criticizing themselves, thinking, “I wasn’t like this before.” However, what they are experiencing is not a personality change but the natural consequence of a nervous system under chronic strain.
Modern Life And Constant Vigilance
Rising uncertainty, economic stress, and global crises further intensify mental exhaustion. The brain remains in a state of hypervigilance, continuously scanning for potential threats. This prolonged alertness prevents both mental and physical rest. Over time, individuals may struggle to feel calm even in objectively safe and quiet moments.
Conclusion
The widespread intolerance observed in the age of mental exhaustion is not a personal failure but a natural response of the nervous system to prolonged overstimulation. Continuous activation lowers tolerance thresholds and disrupts emotional regulation. Understanding this process allows individuals to respond to themselves with greater self-compassion. The core issue is not a lack of patience, but a lack of recovery. Learning to reduce mental load is more effective than trying to endure more.
Suggestions
Reduce Stimuli
Limit notifications and set boundaries around news and social media consumption.
Take Micro-Breaks
Short, screen-free pauses during the day help calm the nervous system.
Minimize Decision Load
Simplify routines to reduce unnecessary daily choices.
Support Bodily Regulation
Breathing exercises, gentle movement, and time in nature activate the parasympathetic system.
Label Your Emotions
Saying “I feel overstimulated right now” can support emotional regulation.
Seek Professional Support
When mental exhaustion becomes chronic, psychological support can help restore balance.
It is important to remember that the human mind is not designed for endless stimulation. Building resilience does not mean tolerating more—it means recognizing the needs of our nervous system and creating space for restoration.
References
Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Muraven, M., & Tice, D. M. (1998). Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(5), 1252–1265.
McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations Of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, And Self-Regulation.