We tend to think of fitness as a physical effort alone, but of course, that’s not true. There are thousands of decisions to make as you progress to a healthier body and mindset that can cause significant cognitive overload.
- For instance, are you going to follow a certain diet or workout regimen?
- What are the central principles of that workout plan?
- How might you learn the form of complex movements such as the overhead press so you don’t injure yourself?
- How can you maximize the range of motion of such complex movements?
- What days are you going to do that movement?
- For how many reps?
- At what weight?
As you can see, there are many different ways to determine a way of getting fit, and this is just one example. Add a full-time job on top of that, and perhaps even a family you’re raising, and soon your ability to make executive decisions can feel strained. Let alone if you’re having a little trouble with your sleep of late, such as when caring for a newborn.
How might you reduce cognitive overload in such circumstances? Let’s consider some solutions, outlined below:
Have Your Workout Routine Cemented In Advance
Figuring things out on the fly is a great way to waste time and energy, and unfortunately, many do that and wonder why they’re not making progress. If you’ve ever walked into a gym without a clear plan, you know how easy it is to wander between machines, unsure of what to do next.
Machines are designed just to have you do a quick circuit and get out the door, and that’s not always effective. As such, having a set routine removes all that unnecessary decision-making. You just show up and do what’s already been mapped out. You should know the exercise, the reps, and the weight. You can note down how they felt. You shouldn’t be making any decisions on the gym floor. This can help you avoid spending too much mental energy outside of preparing yourself for each set.
Keep A Routine To Maximize Momentum
Once a routine is in place, sticking to it becomes a whole lot easier because you can make use of momentum to get involved. You wake up, and you do it. There’s less mental friction and cognitive overload when something becomes automatic, like brushing your teeth or making coffee in the morning. That’s what a solid fitness habit should feel like, just another part of your day, not something you have to wrestle with every time.
Repetition can help here, especially if it’s the same time, same days, same general approach. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent enough that skipping a workout feels off, not because of a worry, but because you’re so used to it. You can then save your “dealing with unpredictable energy” focus for your home or work life.
Supplement With A Healthy Focus
Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all support physical progress, but they also make thinking easier. Poor nutrition and exhaustion, as we all know, can make you feel like a shell of yourself. While working out can give you a tiny boost, it’s not going to cover it. If your diet is lacking, or if you’re constantly running on empty, you’re forcing your brain to work harder than it needs to.
Final Thoughts
Simple choices, like having protein-rich snacks on hand or taking a basic multivitamin, can support both your body and your ability to stay focused. We’d also recommend more specific supplements such as Nooglutyl for mental performance if you need that cognitive boost.
With this advice, we hope you can reduce cognitive overload while working a job and getting fit!
Tags: cognitive, cognitive overload, Healthy Lifestyle, job, jobs, lifestyle, mental, mental health
