In a world dominated by round-the-clock digital connectivity and polished self-care routines, many Thais may find their energy mysteriously evaporating before the day is through. Fresh research, distilled by a prominent psychologist and summarized in a widely read Forbes article, reveals that it isn’t only overt stress and long hours that lead to exhaustion, but rather a collection of subtle, everyday behaviors that most people pass off as harmless. Understanding and addressing these quiet saboteurs could prove vital for many in Thailand’s rapidly urbanizing, tech-saturated society, where exhaustion is often worn as a badge of honour and productivity is prized above all else (Forbes).
These findings matter deeply for Thai readers, who are navigating a cultural crossroads. The country’s traditional emphasis on collective well-being and sabai sabai living is in tension with the fast-paced modern lifestyle increasingly marked by constant digital exposure, fierce competition, and the growing influence of Western self-improvement trends. As burnout rates quietly rise in Thai workplaces and classrooms, understanding the hidden roots of daily fatigue is no longer a personal matter but a public health imperative.
According to the Forbes report, the psychologist highlights three key habits that slowly but surely deplete personal energy reserves: scattered attention, decision fatigue from trivial choices, and what’s termed “performative wellness.” Each reflects the complexities of our modern routines—especially within Thailand’s dynamic, digital-savvy population.
The first culprit, scattered attention, arises when individuals attempt to juggle multiple tasks, screens, and conversations at once. With smartphones ever at hand and a national penchant for LINE chats, TikTok clips, and multi-tab browsing during lunch breaks, Thais are particularly susceptible to these energy leaks. The article references a review in Developmental Review that ties heavy media multitasking to poorer performance on attention tasks—even if people believe they are proficient multitaskers. Experts found that this behavior is linked to a trait called sensation seeking, diminishing the brain’s ability to filter distractions. “The executive attention system, which enables goal-directed focus and emotional regulation, can be compromised,” the psychologist explains, “especially in individuals who frequently engage in multitasking.”
This insight echoes findings from local Thai mental health studies, which have increasingly pointed to digital distraction as a root cause of stress among students and office workers. Mindfulness practices, once confined to temple retreats, are now being actively promoted in Thai schools and corporate wellness programs as a remedy, yet the struggle persists (National Health Commission Office).
The second habit draining our vitality is the constant expenditure of mental energy on trivial decisions. The psychologist points out that small, seemingly innocuous choices—what to wear, what to eat, or which playlist to select—accumulate into significant cognitive fatigue. Termed “decision fatigue,” this phenomenon is well-documented in the Journal of Health Psychology, which found that repeated, minor choices can erode self-control, attention, and overall cognitive sharpness. Even in Thailand, where family and community norms once streamlined choices, the allure of endless options on food apps and digital shopping platforms is advancing the trend.
Academic experts note that Thai society, traditionally guided by set routines and communal mealtime decisions, is shifting towards greater individual autonomy and choice. Bangkok office workers, for instance, are now faced with thousands of options on food delivery apps rather than the familiar rotation of nearby street stalls, compounding daily decision loads. To mitigate this, the psychologist suggests batching decisions—planning meals, outfits, or routines in advance to “conserve mental energy for more important or creative tasks.”
Yet perhaps the most uniquely modern Thai challenge is the habit of “performative wellness,” or the compulsion to engage in self-care practices mainly for their image rather than their actual benefit. As the psychologist outlines, social media reinforces this trend by showcasing picture-perfect wellness habits, making it easy to confuse the appearance of self-care for genuine rest. This is evident on platforms popular in Thailand, where “clean eating” and elegant yoga poses trend widely but may contribute more to stress than to relaxation for some individuals. The expert warns: “If self-care has turned into an obligation in your routine and gives you more stress instead of relaxation, you might be trapped in the idea of performing wellness rather than engaging in wellness routines that work for you.”
Prominent Thai wellness advocates have spoken out on this topic, stressing that self-care must be authentically tailored to one’s lifestyle—whether it means a solo meditation session in Lumpini Park or a relaxed family meal. However, the pull of social comparison remains powerful, especially among urban youth.
These findings converge with longstanding Thai cultural wisdom, encapsulated in proverbs such as “jai yen yen” (keep a cool heart) and traditions that prioritize collective harmony and balance. While society is rapidly incorporating global digital trends and wellness fads, there is potential to reshape these practices to better honor individual well-being and energy conservation. Educational institutions and public health authorities are beginning to recognize the need for digital literacy, scheduling education, and realistic self-care interventions within Thai culture (Thai Health Promotion Foundation).
Looking ahead, there are clear implications for Thailand’s education, health, and occupational sectors. For workers and students, the challenge lies in adopting intentional focus, simplifying daily routines, and reclaiming wellness for their true benefit—not just for public display. Workplaces can help by limiting mandating always-on digital availability and encouraging designated periods of deep work. Schools and universities might offer modules on decision-making and stress management, integrating mindfulness rooted in Buddhist tradition with contemporary cognitive-behavioral approaches.
For Thailand’s broader public, the report is a powerful reminder that sustainable energy and mental health require more than chasing productivity or imitating Instagram trends. The journey towards genuine well-being begins with recognizing and gently replacing these everyday habits: limiting multitasking to allow full attention; automating small decisions or making them in batches; and engaging in wellness practices for personal rejuvenation rather than performance.
Thai readers are encouraged to start small. Begin by turning off non-essential notifications and focus on completing one task before switching to another. Batch minor decisions over the weekend rather than facing them each morning. Most importantly, reflect on which wellness activities truly nourish your body and mind, rather than simply following the latest trend. By making these mindful shifts, households, workplaces, and communities across Thailand can reclaim precious energy and build lasting resilience for the demands of modern life.
Sources: Forbes, Developmental Review, Journal of Health Psychology, National Health Commission Office, Thai Health Promotion Foundation