“Brain rot” is a casual term describing negative effects associated with excessive trivial, unchallenging activities. While not an official medical term, the symptoms are real, including mental sluggishness and lack of focus.

Brynna Connor, MD, of NorthWestPharmacy.com, says that excessive consumption of low-effort content can desensitize our reward circuits. This, Dr. Connor says, can lead to “cognitive atrophy … behavioral conditioning, attention fragmentation, the decline of executive function … irritability and anxiety.”

Luckily, these symptoms can be reversed through healthier forms of mental stimulation. Dr. Connor suggests that the key to undoing brain rot is to exercise sustained attention and executive function. Try replacing screen activities with slower, low-stimulus activities. “It’s important to note that you’ll likely feel bored and/or agitated at the beginning. This is a symptom of neurochemical withdrawal, which can be similar to withdrawal symptoms associated with substance addictions.”

For more tips on reversing the brain rot feeling, see what Dr. Connor has to say in this article.