Unconscious Bias: Why it Happens and How to Unlearn It

Image
Before you finish reading this paragraph, your brain has already made a judgment about someone.  Their accent , their appearance , their profession, or the way they expressed an idea.  You did not consciously choose to judge — and that is exactly how unconscious bias works. Unconscious bias refers to the automatic assumptions and mental shortcuts our brains use to process the world quickly. These biases are shaped by culture, media, upbringing, education, and personal experiences. They exist everywhere — across countries, professions, and social systems . The uncomfortable truth is this: even kind, educated, well-intentioned people have unconscious bias. What matters is not pretending we don’t have it, but learning how to recognize and unlearn it. “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” This article explores common examples of unconscious bias seen globally and practical ways anyone can overcome them. What Is Unconscious Bias?  Unconscious bias is not ...
Post a Comment

Your Life Feels Heavy Because You’re Exhausted, Not Lazy

One question always comes to my mind... 

Why modern burnout has nothing to do with motivation — and everything to do with how we live.


If you feel constantly tired, overwhelmed, or mentally drained, you’re not alone.

Most people blame themselves:

“I’m lazy.”

“I lack discipline.”

“Others manage, why can’t I?”


But what if the problem isn’t you — it’s the lifestyle you’re trying to survive?

Let me tell you why modern life exhausts us, how burnout quietly develops, and what small changes can restore energy, clarity, and emotional balance.



Burnout Is Not Just a Work Problem

Burnout isn’t limited to doctors, office workers, or students.

It affects:

- Stay-at-home parents

- Creators

- Entrepreneurs

- Caregivers

- People doing “nothing at all stressful”


Burnout happens when mental load exceeds recovery.


“You don’t burn out because you do too much. You burn out because you recover too little.”



Signs You’re Burnt Out (But Don’t Realize It)

Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic.

Sometimes it looks like:

- Constant fatigue even after sleep

- Irritability over small things

- Procrastination

- Brain fog

- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed

- Feeling emotionally numb


These are often mistaken for laziness or depression.



Why Modern Lifestyles Drain Us

1. Constant Stimulation

Phones, notifications, news, reels — your brain never rests. (Constant dopamine need check out my blog related to it link )

“A mind that never rests cannot feel motivated.”


2. No Clear Boundaries

Work enters bedrooms. Stress enters weekends. Rest feels guilty.


3. Hustle Culture

We glorify exhaustion and call it Ambition.


4. Comparison Overload

Social media shows highlight reels — not reality.



Why Motivation Doesn’t Fix Burnout

People try to fix burnout with:

- Productivity hacks

- Discipline

- Self-criticism


But burnout needs rest, not pressure.

“You cannot discipline your way out of exhaustion.”



Lifestyle Shifts That Actually Help  (Not Overwhelming)


🌿 1. Redefine Productivity

Productivity isn’t doing more — it’s doing what matters.

Ask yourself daily:

- What truly needs to be done?

- What can wait?


🌿 2. Practice Mental Decluttering

Just like physical clutter, mental clutter drains energy.

Try:

- Writing worries down

- Limiting news consumption

- Reducing unnecessary commitments


🌿 3. Protect Your Mornings

How you start your day shapes your nervous system.

Simple habits:

- Don’t check your phone as soon as you wake up

- Drink a glass of warm water

- Sit quietly for 5 minutes


“Peaceful mornings create resilient minds.”


🌿 4. Learn the Skill of Rest

Rest is not scrolling.

Real rest includes:

- Sleep / nap

- Silence

- Nature

- Creative hobbies

- Rest without guilt.


🌿 5. Stop Treating Life Like a Race

There is no universal timeline.

“You are not behind. You are just on a different path.”



Why Small Changes Matter More Than Big Goals

Burnt-out people don’t need massive transformations.

They need:

- Earlier sleep

- Fewer commitments

- More compassion

- Consistency beats intensity.


A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to:

- Be more motivated all the time

- Wake up at 5 AM

- Hustle harder


You need to feel safe, rested, and human again.

“Healing begins when you stop fighting yourself.”



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1

Is burnout the same as depression?

No. Burnout is usually situational and improves with rest and lifestyle changes, while depression is a medical condition that may require professional treatment.


Question 2

Can burnout happen even if I’m not working much?

Yes. Emotional stress, caregiving, mental overload, and lack of boundaries can cause burnout even without heavy workloads.


Question 3

How long does burnout recovery take?

Recovery varies. Mild burnout may improve in weeks, while deeper burnout can take months with consistent rest and lifestyle changes.


Question 4

Is scrolling social media considered rest?

No. While it feels relaxing, constant scrolling overstimulates the brain and often worsens mental fatigue.

Question 5

When should I seek professional help?

If exhaustion persists despite rest, or if you experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, or sleep disturbance, consult a mental health professional.



Final Thoughts

You’re not lazy.

You’re not broken.

You’re responding normally to an abnormal pace of life.

Slow down — not because you’re failing — but because you matter.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The First Week of Residency: Expectations vs Reality

From Dreams to the First Day of Reality Getting selected for general surgery training at a renowned and famous private institute felt like a dream come true .  The journey to that point was not easy, and I had already shared the detailed struggle, sacrifices, and perseverance in a previous blog ( https://faithfatigueandthefuture.blogspot.com/2025/11/starting-over-my-journey-from-different.html ).  Like many young doctors, I walked into this new phase with hope in my heart and ambition in my eyes. I believed this was the place where my professional identity would finally take a shape. However, the first week of postgraduate (PG) training taught me a lesson that no textbook or entrance exam ever could: expectations can be beautiful, but reality can be brutally honest.  “Sometimes what you imagine as a breakthrough turns out to be a breakdown before growth.” My Expectations Before Joining Surgical Training Before starting my training, I had a picture in my mind of how t...
Read more

Why Dislike Turns Into Obsession: The Psychology Behind It

The Psychology Behind Why We Get Stuck on Certain People Have you ever noticed that sometimes the people you dislike the most end up taking the most space in your mind? You don’t love them, you don’t admire them, you don’t even want to be close to them — yet somehow, their actions, words, and presence feel impossible to ignore. Recently, I realized how dislike can pull us into a strange emotional involvement — sometimes even deeper than love.  Love makes us think about someone with warmth. Dislike? It makes us think about someone with intensity  And intensity is powerful. Why Do We Become So Curious About People We Dislike? During my medical school years, I had a batchmate I couldn’t stand. She felt toxic to me — manipulative, controlling, always trying to stay ahead of everyone else. My dislike for her slowly grew into a weird fascination. What was she doing? Who was she talking to? How was she manipulating people? Soon, my friends and I bonded over our shared irritation with...
Read more