8 situations in life only intelligent people find exhausting and tedious, according to psychology

If you’re a person with a high IQ, you may often find yourself feeling drained in specific situations that others seem to breeze through.

Life’s normal circumstances can sometimes feel excessively taxing and dull when you’re an intelligent individual. These can range from mundane conversations to repetitive tasks, or even large social gatherings.

Being intelligent isn’t simply about acing tests and solving complex equations—it’s a trait that impacts your daily life in ways you might not expect.

Psychology offers some insights into why this is so. While everyone’s experience with intelligence varies, there’s a common thread of situations that can be especially exhausting for those with higher than average intelligence.

This isn’t about superiority or feeling alienated—it’s about understanding why certain scenarios can feel particularly tedious for the intellectually inclined.

1) Small talk

As an intelligent individual, you may often find yourself feeling trapped in the mundanity of small talk.

Engaging in seemingly meaningless conversations about the weather, weekend plans, or what someone had for lunch can feel like a tiresome exercise.

It’s just that you crave intellectual stimulation and depth.

For you, conversations are opportunities to exchange ideas, explore new perspectives, and learn something new.

Small talk, therefore, can feel like a missed opportunity—a waste of your mental energy.

Psychology suggests that intelligent people often yearn for meaningful interactions and purposeful dialogue.

They want to discuss ideas and concepts rather than people and events.

So when forced into a cycle of small talk, it’s not uncommon for them to feel exhausted and disinterested.

They might even find themselves tuning out or seeking an escape from the conversation.

2) Having too many choices

Intelligent people are often strategic and analytical by nature.

They are able to weigh the pros and cons of different options, and carefully make decisions.

However, when presented with an abundance of choices, this can feel more like a burden than a privilege.

Whether it’s choosing a career path, selecting a restaurant for dinner, or even deciding on what to watch on Netflix – too many options can lead to an overwhelming sense of decision fatigue.

This might seem strange. After all, isn’t having more choices supposed to be a good thing?

But for intelligent individuals, each choice represents a path that needs analyzing and assessing.

Every option needs to be considered in detail – its potential outcomes, its risks, and its benefits.

And when there are too many choices, this process can become exhausting and tedious.

It can lead to overthinking, stress, and even paralysis by analysis – where making any decision becomes daunting.

3) Excessive use of social media

Intelligent individuals are often drawn to meaningful, authentic connections and deep thought-provoking conversations.

However, the superficial nature of social media, where interactions are often limited to likes, shares, and brief comments, can be draining for them.

Most platforms focus on the quantity of interactions rather than their quality.

They encourage users to engage in a constant stream of sharing and consuming information, often of little substance.

This can be particularly tedious for intelligent people who crave depth and substance in their interactions.

Moreover, the dopamine hit that is associated with receiving likes and comments on social media posts can create a loop of short-term gratification.

This is in stark contrast to the long-term satisfaction and fulfillment intelligent individuals derive from problem-solving or intellectual pursuits.

As such, they may find the excessive use of social media not only exhausting but also significantly less rewarding than their offline intellectual engagements.

4) Being the “go-to” problem solver

As a person with high intelligence, you’re likely appreciated for your problem-solving skills.

Friends, family, and colleagues may often turn to you for advice or assistance when they’re in a bind.

And while it’s undoubtedly rewarding to help others and put your intellect to good use, it can also be quite exhausting.

You see, when you’re constantly seen as the “fixer,” it can lead to an unspoken expectation that you’ll always have the answers.

This can be quite a heavy load to bear, especially if you’re also dealing with your own challenges and pressures.

Balancing your own needs with the demands of others can become a delicate act.

You might even feel guilty if you can’t provide a solution or if you need to take some time for yourself.

5) Repetitive tasks

There’s no denying it, life is full of repetitions.

From daily chores such as doing the dishes, tidying up, or finishing paperwork, to larger repetitive cycles like monthly bills or yearly tax returns.

These tasks, while necessary, can often feel dull and monotonous to those with high intelligence.

A quick mind thrives on novelty, challenge and learning.

It seeks out new information and experiences to keep itself stimulated.

So when faced with tasks that require little to no mental engagement, intelligent people might find themselves feeling restless and uninspired.

It’s like reading the same book or watching the same movie over and over again.

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After a while, you know the plot and the characters so well that it loses its charm.

6) Multitasking

Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk with multiple tabs open on your computer, your phone buzzing with messages, and a growing to-do list on your desk.

You’re trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, from responding to emails and making calls to brainstorming ideas for your next project.

For some, this might seem like an efficient way to get things done.

But if you’re an intelligent individual, you may find multitasking more exhausting than productive.

Intelligent minds thrive on focus and immersion.

Diving deep into a single task allows them to fully engage their intellectual capabilities and provide innovative solutions.

On the other hand, multitasking often leads to fragmented attention, frequent interruptions, and reduced productivity.

7) Procrastination

Look, no one enjoys being under the gun, especially when it’s a self-inflicted situation due to procrastination.

But for intelligent people, this can be a particularly grueling experience.

Intelligent individuals are often acutely aware of the time and effort required to complete a task.

They understand the intricacies and complexities involved.

So when they procrastinate and push tasks until the last minute, it’s not just a mad rush to finish—it’s an intensive mental workout.

The stress of racing against the clock, combined with the pressure to maintain their usual high standards, can be mentally exhausting. It’s like running a marathon without any prior training.

8) Neglecting self-care

The most crucial point to remember, especially for those with a high intelligence, is the importance of self-care.

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of intellectual pursuits, problem-solving, and meeting high expectations.

But at the end of the day, you’re human too.

Intelligent people often put immense pressure on themselves, striving for perfection and constantly pushing their limits.

This can lead to neglecting their own needs for rest, relaxation, and overall well-being.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as exercising your intellect.

Ensuring you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and take time out for leisure and relaxation can greatly improve your overall productivity and mental stamina.

So if you find yourself feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, it might be time to step back and assess your self-care practices.

Because being intelligent isn’t just about pushing your mind—it’s also about knowing when to give it a break.

Picture of Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

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