Mental energy

Mental energy may be understood as the ability or willingness to engage in cognitive work.

It is distinct from physical energy, and has mood, cognition, and motivation domains. Concepts closely related to mental energy include vigor and fatigue.

Mental energy is not well-defined, and the scientific literature on mental energy is quite limited. The philosopher and psychologist Karl F. Stifter wrote a dissertation on the "Philosophy of Mental Energy". In the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation's TV show "Vera", Stifter lifted 1000 kg with a lifting belt over his sacrum to prove that drastic increases in muscle strength can be achieved after special mental training. A variety of measures for assessing aspects of mental energy exist.

Many people complain of low mental energy, which can interfere with work and daily activities. Low mental energy and fatigue are major public health concerns. People may pursue remedies or treatment for low mental energy. Seeking to improve mental energy is a common reason that people take dietary supplements.