Imagine your brain trying to juggle 60,000 thoughts a day. Now imagine most of them are negative, repetitive, or both. Think about that for a minute. It’s no wonder we feel mentally exhausted.
But just look at all the information coming at us every day and it’s not so crazy. From choices to make at the grocery store to work projects to family responsibilities, not to mention all the information coming at us on our phones and computers, as well as the people and environment around us.
When you think about it, it makes sense that our brains are overwhelmed on a daily basis. So how does your brain process all that information? Here’s the lowdown on how it works and how to help keep your brain running as smoothly as possible so it can filter out the noise and stay focused on the important stuff.
What exactly are all these thoughts, anyways?
Buddhists call it the “monkey mind”—a restless, jumpy brain that swings from thought to thought like a monkey through trees.
Research backs this up: around 80% of our thoughts are negative. And many of them are on repeat—some estimates say 90–95% of today’s thoughts are the same as yesterday’s. No wonder your brain feels like it’s running in circles.
Our brains are like a massive supercomputer constantly sorting through information—some of it conscious, some subconscious, and some purely sensory. Whether it’s figuring out what to make for dinner or reflecting on something someone said five days ago, we’re constantly categorizing and filtering information without even realizing it.
While this supercomputer in our head is impressive, it needs support to run smoothly. This starts with understanding how it filters what matters from what doesn’t.
How Your Brain Filters the Noise
If we consciously processed every thought that entered our mind, we’d never get anything done. So the brain uses a few clever tricks to keep us functioning:
Sensory gating helps filter out background noise—like the hum of traffic or the tag on your shirt—so your brain doesn’t waste energy on it.
Attentional processes let your brain zero in on what matters most and ingore the rest. This happens in the prefrontal cortex—your brain’s “focus center.”
The thalamus works like a relay station, helping filter and sort incoming sensory signals.
And then there’s selective filtering—the reason you stop noticing the sound of the fridge or the feeling of your socks after a few minutes.
These mechanisms protect you from information overload. But they’re not perfect—and when stress, anxiety, or fatigue kick in, the system starts to fray.
So, how do we help our brains out?
You don’t need a total life overhaul to calm the monkey mind. But a few consistent habits can make a big difference:
Move your body. Regular exercise keeps the brain sharp and improves mood.
Fuel your brain. A balanced diet supports cognitive function.
Stay connected. Social interaction helps maintain mental clarity.
Dump the clutter. Try journaling, brain dumping, or meditation to clear space and reduce the mental noise.
Practice mindfulness. Even a few minutes a day of focused breathing or quiet reflection can make your thoughts feel more manageable.
The takeaway? Your brain is brilliant—but it’s also sensitive. It needs care, quiet, and intention. Respect it, and it’ll return the favor.
