10 things only intelligent people find exhausting, according to psychology

There’s a stark contrast between what tires out the average person and what leaves the intellectually inclined feeling drained.

It’s not about physical exertion – it’s a mental game. Intelligent people often find themselves exhausted by things that others might not even notice.

Psychology sheds some light on this. It tells us that high IQ individuals have unique challenges that can leave them feeling spent.

Let’s dive in. 

1) Small talk

Small talk can be a handy tool for breaking the ice and filling awkward silences, but for intelligent people, it can be downright draining.

According to psychology, people with a high IQ often find small talk exhausting because it lacks substance. They crave deeper, more meaningful conversations.

The constant chatter about the weather, what’s on TV, or the latest celebrity gossip can leave them feeling mentally depleted. It’s not that they can’t engage in chit-chat – they just prefer not to.

It’s like feeding a gourmet chef a steady diet of fast food. Sure, they can eat it, but it’s certainly not satisfying.

If you ever find yourself in conversation with an intelligent individual and they seem disinterested, don’t take it personally. They’re probably just craving a more thought-provoking discussion.

2) Unproductive meetings

My goodness, where do I start with this one? As someone who prides myself on efficiency, unproductive meetings are a personal pet peeve of mine.

Psychology tells us that intelligent people often find these types of gatherings exhausting. Why, you ask? Because they’re a waste of time and mental energy.

Picture this – you’re in a meeting that’s been dragging on for hours. The agenda is unclear, people are repeatedly going off-topic, and there’s no sign of any actionable conclusion in sight. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Intelligent individuals prefer productive discussions that result in clear action points. They value their time and mental resources, so aimless meetings can feel like a real drain.

3) Repetition

Repetition doesn’t just bore intelligent people, it exhausts them. When they’ve understood something the first time, going over it again and again feels like a needless drain on their mental energy.

This might have roots in the science of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. Learning new things strengthens and creates more neural connections, which is a stimulating experience for the brain.

In contrast, repetition doesn’t offer the same benefits. Instead of creating new neural pathways, it simply retraces old ones. This lack of novelty can leave intelligent people feeling mentally tired and unstimulated.

4) Inefficiency

Inefficiency is a significant energy drainer for intelligent people. They value their time, and nothing frustrates them more than seeing tasks being done in a less-than-optimal way.

Whether it’s an inefficient process at work, or seeing someone struggle with a task that could be done more effectively, it can be mentally draining for them.

Intelligent people are problem solvers. They’re wired to find the most effective way to complete tasks. So when they’re in an environment where efficiency isn’t a priority, it can leave them feeling frustrated and mentally exhausted.

If you ever work with an intelligent person and they seem exasperated by inefficiencies, understand it’s not about being critical – it’s just their brain craving for a more efficient solution.

5) Lack of intellectual stimulation

Much like a bodybuilder needs to lift heavy weights to feel physically satisfied, intelligent people need mental challenges to feel intellectually fulfilled.

A lack of intellectual stimulation can be incredibly draining for them. It’s not just about boredom – it’s about not utilizing their brain’s full potential.

When they’re not challenged, intelligent people can start to feel restless and mentally fatigued. It’s like asking a marathon runner to only walk – they can do it, but it’s simply not satisfying.

The intelligent mind thrives on problem-solving and learning new things. Keeping it engaged is crucial to avoid mental exhaustion.

6) Misunderstandings

Have you ever tried to explain something that you’re passionate about, only to be met with blank stares? For intelligent people, this is not just frustrating – it’s exhausting.

Misunderstandings can be emotionally draining, especially when the intelligent person is trying their best to communicate effectively. It’s like speaking a different language – they’re saying the words, but the message just isn’t getting across.

This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. It’s not that they want to be misunderstood – in fact, they often go out of their way to make things clear. But when their efforts are met with confusion or indifference, it can be incredibly disheartening.

If you ever find yourself in conversation with an intelligent person who seems frustrated, remember – they’re not trying to confuse you. They’re just trying to share a part of their world with you.

7) Procrastination

Oh, procrastination. It’s a constant battle for me, and for many intelligent people out there. It’s not just about delaying tasks, it’s the mental load that comes with it.

You see, intelligent individuals often have a clear vision of what needs to be done. They know the steps, they understand the process, but sometimes, the mere thought of starting can be overwhelming.

This mental paralysis is exhausting. It’s like being stuck at the starting line of a race, seeing the track ahead but unable to move.

Procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s a complex struggle between knowing what needs to be done and finding the mental energy to start. And for intelligent people, this struggle can be utterly draining.

8) Overthinking

Sometimes, having a sharp mind can be a double-edged sword. While it aids in solving complex problems, it can also lead to overthinking – a common source of exhaustion for intelligent individuals.

Overthinking is like a hamster wheel that the brain just can’t step off of. Even when an issue is resolved or a decision is made, the intelligent mind might continue to analyze, dissect and second-guess.

This constant mental replay can be incredibly tiring. It’s like running a marathon in your mind, without ever reaching the finish line.

Believe it or not, even for intelligent people, sometimes less thinking can actually be more beneficial.

9) Lack of autonomy

Intelligent people value their freedom to think, create, and make decisions. When they’re in situations where their autonomy is restricted, it can be mentally exhausting for them.

This is not about being rebellious or non-compliant. It’s about the mental strain that comes from not being able to use their intellect and creativity to the fullest.

Imagine a bird with strong wings kept in a small cage. It can flutter around, but it cannot truly fly. That’s how lack of autonomy feels for intelligent people – confining and draining.

If you’re collaborating with an intelligent individual, remember to give them space to express their ideas and make their own decisions. It’s not just about letting them have their way – it’s about respecting their mental energy.

10) Being misunderstood

Perhaps the most exhausting thing for intelligent people is being misunderstood. It’s not about ego or wanting to be right – it’s about the frustration of not being able to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas.

Being misunderstood can feel like shouting into a void. No matter how articulate or clear they try to be, their message seems to get lost in translation.

This constant struggle for accurate expression can be mentally draining. It’s like speaking fluently in a language that others can’t comprehend.

Being intelligent isn’t just about having brilliant ideas – it’s also about the constant challenge of conveying them to others. And sometimes, that challenge can be truly exhausting.

A final thought

Intelligence is a gift, but it also comes with its own set of struggles. It’s like having a powerful engine – it can take you far, but it also needs more fuel and maintenance.

Understanding these challenges can help us empathize with intelligent individuals around us and create environments that support their mental well-being. After all, every mind, whether ordinary or extraordinary, deserves to be nurtured and respected.

So next time you encounter someone who seems to be mentally exhausted, take a moment to consider what might be going on beneath the surface. It might just give you a new perspective on what it means to be intelligent.