10 things only intelligent people find exhausting, according to psychology

I’ve always been fascinated by what makes intelligent people tick. Turns out, even the smartest among us have their limits.

Psychology sheds light on what drains intelligent people most. It’s not complex equations or intricate theories, but rather everyday occurrences that make them feel like they’re running a mental marathon.

Here are ten things that only intelligent people find exhausting, according to psychology. Prepare to see the world through the eyes of the intellectually gifted, and maybe even identify a few things that tire you out too. This could be a real eye-opener.

1) Small talk

Intellectuals tend to thrive on deep, meaningful conversations.

For them, small talk isn’t just a way to fill time or break the ice. It’s like a mental tug-of-war, pulling at their patience and energy reserves.

Psychology explains this as a by-product of their constant desire for substance and depth. Small talk often lacks these elements, making it feel like a meaningless exercise.

When you find yourself in conversation with an intelligent person, skip the weather talk. Delve into thought-provoking topics instead. They’ll thank you for it – mentally, at least.

2) Being surrounded by incompetence

I’m sure we’ve all been there, but for intelligent people, dealing with incompetence can be particularly draining.

I remember a time when I had to work on a project with a team that just didn’t quite get it. It wasn’t that they weren’t trying, but their lack of understanding and their refusal to accept my guidance was incredibly frustrating.

It felt like I was pushing a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down each time.

Psychology explains that intelligent individuals are often perfectionists and have high standards. When those around them don’t meet these standards or show a lack of understanding, it can be mentally exhausting.

3) Repetitive tasks

Repetition can be a serious mental drain for intelligent people.

Imagine spending hours performing the same task over and over again. It sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? Well, for intelligent people, it often is.

This is because the brain of an intelligent person is always seeking new information and challenges. In fact, neuroscientists have discovered that the brains of intelligent people actually have less neural activity when performing repetitive tasks. This suggests that their minds are yearning for something more stimulating.

When you’re stuck doing the same task on repeat, just remember – your brain might be silently pleading for a new challenge. And that’s not boredom, that’s intelligence at work.

4) Lack of intellectual stimulation

Intelligent people crave mental stimulation like a plant craves sunlight. Without it, they can feel unfulfilled and restless.

This isn’t about being a know-it-all or constantly needing to be the smartest person in the room. It’s about satisfying a deep-seated desire for learning and growth.

When they’re in environments that lack this kind of stimulation, whether it’s a dead-end job or a social gathering with no meaningful conversation, it can feel incredibly draining.

Finding ways to feed their intellectual curiosity is not just a want for intelligent people – it’s a need. And when that need isn’t met, exhaustion can quickly set in.

5) Inefficiency

Nothing grates on an intelligent person’s nerves quite like inefficiency. When things aren’t done in the most effective way possible, it’s like a mental itch they can’t scratch.

Whether it’s a poorly organized meeting, a project that’s not well-thought-out, or a system that’s full of unnecessary steps, inefficiency can be truly exhausting for the intelligent mind.

They see the potential for improvement and optimization everywhere. And when that potential isn’t realized, it can feel like a wasted opportunity – and that’s something intelligent people find hard to swallow.

6) Not being understood

There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes with not being understood. For intelligent people, this can be an all too familiar feeling.

They often have thoughts and ideas that are complex and ahead of their time. When others don’t grasp these concepts or misinterpret their words, it can feel like shouting into a void.

It’s not about seeking approval or validation, but about the human need for connection and understanding. We all want to be seen and heard for who we truly are. And when that doesn’t happen, it can be deeply exhausting.

Taking the time to truly understand someone, especially an intelligent person, is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

7) Inauthenticity

Nothing tires me out quite like inauthenticity. It’s like a mask that obscures the true face of a person or situation.

For intelligent people, this can be particularly draining. They value truth and authenticity and can easily spot when someone is putting on a facade.

I recall a time when a close friend started behaving differently, putting on airs to impress others. It was exhausting trying to navigate the web of half-truths and forced personas.

In the end, authenticity is refreshing. It allows for genuine connections and interactions, something that intelligent people deeply appreciate. When it’s missing, it’s like trying to find your way in the dark – mentally tiring and deeply unsatisfying.

8) Having too much downtime

Often, we imagine that relaxation is the antidote to exhaustion. But for intelligent people, too much downtime can actually be tiring.

Remember those active, curious brains we talked about? They’re not great at switching off. When there’s no problem to solve or concept to grapple with, intelligent people can become restless.

This isn’t to say that they don’t value rest – they do. But just like a well-tuned engine, their minds work best when they’re in use. So while a lazy Sunday afternoon might sound like heaven to most, for intelligent people, it could be their idea of purgatory.

9) Lack of progress

Intelligent people are often forward-thinkers. They thrive on growth and progression, and nothing frustrates them more than being stuck in a rut.

Whether it’s a project at work that’s hit a roadblock, a personal goal that seems no closer no matter how hard they work, or a societal issue that’s just not improving, lack of progress can be deeply exhausting for intelligent individuals.

They’re problem solvers at heart and when problems seem unsolvable, it can feel like they’re running on a treadmill – lots of effort, but no forward movement. And let me tell you, that can be incredibly draining.

10) Ignorance

If there’s one thing that exhausts intelligent people more than anything else, it’s willful ignorance.

It’s not about not knowing – nobody knows everything, after all. It’s about choosing not to know, refusing to learn or grow.

Intelligent people value knowledge and understanding. They see it as a way to improve themselves and the world around them. When they encounter someone who chooses to remain ignorant despite having the opportunity to learn, it can be more than just frustrating – it can be downright exhausting.

Knowledge is power. But refusing to acquire it? That’s something intelligent people find truly tiring.