After a long day filled with noise, pings, and never-ending demands, many people snap at loved ones or lose patience over small annoyances. New insights highlighted in a recent HuffPost piece explain that this isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a biological response shared by many worldwide, including many Thais adapting to the nonstop pace of modern life.
The trend of feeling irritable when overstimulated is gaining attention as digital life intensifies sensory input. A viral tweet sparked the HuffPost discussion, with thousands admitting, “I can be really mean when I’m overstimulated.” The pattern is familiar: a rough morning or a flood of notifications makes minor issues seem disproportionately upsetting. But what causes this, and what can people in busy cities like Bangkok do about it?
To understand, experts point to how the brain processes information. The brain continuously receives input from all five senses. When input becomes overwhelming, the nervous system can become overloaded, a state called overstimulation. A US-based psychotherapist explains that overstimulation means our senses have received a lot of information, and we feel overwhelmed. In moments of stress, the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for rational thinking—can go offline. A California-based family therapist notes that stress can push the brain from reflective, careful thinking to reactive behavior.
This neurological shift helps explain why people lash out or feel what Thais call jai ron (hot-headedness) during intense moments. The body’s fight, flight, or freeze system activates regardless of whether the stress comes from deadlines or a barrage of notifications. Recent research in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews confirms that long-term exposure to high sensory load impairs executive function and increases emotional reactivity.
Urban life in Bangkok offers countless overstimulation opportunities. Traffic, construction noise, bright malls, and pervasive smartphone use create constant sensory input. An American clinician highlights the role of technology: texts, emails, and social media notifications can push people toward overload. In Thailand, where smartphone ownership is high and social media use is widespread, the pressure to stay connected is especially intense.
For many, especially parents and professionals juggling work and home life, stress compounds. Therapists in the HuffPost article describe typical scenarios: a rushed morning, misplaced keys, spilled coffee, traffic jams—all micro-stressors that accumulate until a minor incident becomes the last straw. In Thailand, cultural expectations to remain calm and gracious—sabai sabai—can add social guilt when nerves fray.
Neuroscience reinforces this picture. When the brain reaches an overstimulated state, self‑regulation becomes harder. A therapist notes that irritation or delays are more likely to trigger instant reactivity once overload has taken hold. In fact, a study at Chulalongkorn University found that many Bangkok workers are unaware of how cumulative stress and sensory overload affect them, often attributing irritability to personality rather than environment.
As digital technology becomes even more integrated into daily life, overstimulation may occur more frequently. Thailand’s digital landscape already connects work, communication, and even religious practice through screens. An expert counselor observes that while devices offer connection, they can also exhaust emotional reserves. Social platforms can provide both community and fatigue.
If overstimulation is so common, what can be done? The HuffPost piece shares practical strategies endorsed by therapists. Start by noticing early signs of overload—irritability, fatigue, or racing thoughts. Breathing exercises that lengthen the exhale can calm the nervous system and gradual thoughts. One therapist notes that slowing the breath slows the body and mind.
Mindfulness is another key tool, a concept that resonates with Buddhist practice. Simple techniques—such as naming three things you can see in the present moment—help anchor attention and reduce the pull of constant stimulation. Studies from Mahidol University’s Psychology Department show that regular mindfulness routines among Thai office workers reduce stress and improve workplace harmony.
Setting digital boundaries is essential. Therapists recommend short daily “digital detox” moments—avoiding phone checks first thing in the morning, carving out quiet time, or keeping the phone out of the bedroom during meals. Small changes add up to big improvements over time.
Cultural and social context also matters. In Thai society, kreng jai (consideration for others) can lead people to suppress personal needs, letting stress build until it bursts out. Recent work-life balance research in Thailand notes that COVID-19 and remote work have heightened sensory and emotional overload as professional and personal lives blur.
If digital immersion and urban living continue to intensify, chronic overstimulation could rise. Without broader awareness, burnout, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict may become more common across ages in Thailand. Yet, growing openness to mental health conversations—especially among younger generations—offers hope for healthier habits.
What can Thai readers do today? Start with an honest assessment of your relationship with technology and daily stress. Learn your personal red flags for overload. Try brief mindfulness practices—perhaps integrating slow, relaxing routines with Thai cultural elements like temple visits or peaceful evening walks along your soi. Local resources include public hospitals, universities, and mindfulness centers that offer stress management and digital-wellbeing programs.
Above all, remember that irritability during overwhelm is a normal, biological response, not a personal failing. By understanding the science and setting practical boundaries, Thais can cultivate calmer, more harmonious daily lives. For further guidance, consult the HuffPost piece for expert perspectives and explore wellness resources from reputable Thai institutions.