What if your mental fatigue comes from invisible tabs?

Have you ever noticed what happens to your computer when too many tabs are open at once?

Even a powerful machine, when overloaded with tasks, eventually slows down.

Simple actions take longer.

The system starts to “lag.”

Sometimes, it even crashes.

This very common phenomenon on a screen is exactly the same in our brains.

Mental tabs: the invisible elements that overwhelm our mind

In daily life, we keep countless “tabs” open:

• unfinished tasks

• things we must not forget

• accumulated responsibilities

• reminders we keep in mind “just in case”

They aren’t visible but we definitely feel their weight.

As we pile up these mental tabs, our cognitive load increases until it reaches a saturation point.

When too many tabs remain open, the brain slows down

The consequences often appear gradually:

• difficulty concentrating

• chronic mental fatigue

• procrastination

• decreased efficiency

• feeling stuck in a loop

Just like a computer struggling to keep up, our mind “crashes.”

Not from weakness, but from overload.

Multitasking: the illusion of productivity

We often think multitasking is a strength. In reality, it’s the opposite.

Multitasking feels efficient but it scatters attention, fragments focus, and drains cognitive energy.

The more we spread ourselves thin, the less we actually accomplish.

How to close these invisible tabs

Fortunately, there are simple yet powerful strategies to reduce mental overload.

1. Break tasks into smaller steps

Dividing a big project into smaller steps makes it more manageable and less intimidating.

Each mini-progress boosts motivation.

2. Do one thing at a time

Single-tasking is a true mental relief.

One task, one intention, one focus.

3. Prioritize effectively

Not everything has the same urgency or importance.

The urgent/important matrix, for example, helps clarify what deserves your energy nowand what can wait.

4. Externalize memory

Notebook, apps, sticky notes, voice memos...

Once you take reminders out of your head, your mind frees up, becoming more creative and calm.

Your brain doesn’t need to be stronger, it needs to be less saturated

Close unnecessary tabs.

Breathe.

Move forward step by step.

This is how we regain clarity, efficiency, and inner calm.

Now it’s your turn!

Which mental tab will you choose to close today?

You can also write to me if you’d like a simple checklist to lighten your mental load.