In today’s fast-paced world, mental fatigue is becoming increasingly common. From multitasking at work to managing personal responsibilities, many individuals experience what psychologists refer to as cognitive overload – a state where the brain’s working memory is overwhelmed by too much information or too many simultaneous demands. Cognitive load therapy is an emerging approach that applies principles from cognitive load theory to reduce mental strain and improve psychological wellbeing.

Understanding cognitive load

Cognitive load theory, developed by John Sweller in the 1980s, identifies three types of mental load:

• Intrinsic load – the inherent complexity of a task
• Extraneous load – unnecessary mental effort caused by poor design or distractions
• Germane load – the mental effort dedicated to learning and schema formation¹

When extraneous load dominates, it can impair decision-making, increase stress, and contribute to burnout². Cognitive load therapy aims to reduce this burden by optimising how information is presented and processed, allowing individuals to focus their mental resources more effectively.

Applications in mental health

Recent studies suggest that cognitive load interventions may help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. For example, web-based programs designed to reduce cognitive load have shown promise in improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression³. These interventions often include simplified interfaces, structured learning modules, and mindfulness techniques to reduce mental clutter.

Mindfulness practices, in particular, have been shown to reduce cognitive load stress and improve performance. A study involving university students found that mindfulness not only lowered cognitive strain but also enhanced self-regulation and task efficiency⁴.

Designing for cognitive relief

Health educators and clinicians are increasingly applying cognitive load principles to the design of behaviour change programs. By minimising extraneous load – such as unclear instructions or overwhelming content – these programs can improve engagement and retention. This is especially important for individuals experiencing high levels of stress or diminished working memory⁵.

For example, interventions that use chunked information, visual aids, and guided pacing have been found to reduce cognitive fatigue and improve learning outcomes. These strategies are now being explored in clinical settings to support patients with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic stress⁶.

Why it matters

Cognitive load therapy is not a standalone treatment but a complementary approach that can potentially enhance existing therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). By reducing mental clutter and improving information processing, it may help individuals better engage with therapeutic content and sustain long-term behavioural change.

As research continues to evolve, cognitive load therapy offers a promising framework for designing mental health interventions that are not only effective but also cognitively considerate.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

References

1. Sweller J. Cognitive load during problem solving: effects on learning. Cogn Sci. 1988;12(2):257-285. doi:10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4
2. Alós-Ferrer C. Lighten your cognitive load. Psychology Today. June 7, 2024. Available from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decisions-and-the-brain/202406/lighten-your-cognitive-load
3. Hinkle JF. Reduction of cognitive load, stress, and depression: the effects of a web-based intervention. Dissertation. University of Michigan; 2013. Available from: https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/97923
4. Kong S, Qiu L, Su Y, Zhang Y, Sun K. Mindfulness, cognitive load, and performance: examining the interplay of stress and self-regulation. BMC Psychol. 2025;13:518. doi:10.1186/s40359-025-02794-x
5. Baxter KA, Sachdeva N, Baker S. The application of cognitive load theory to the design of health and behaviour change programs. Health Educ Behav. 2025;52(4):469-477. doi:10.1177/10901981251327185
6. Calm Editorial Team. Why your cognitive load may be causing anxiety (and how to deal). Calm Blog. Aug 22, 2024. Available from: https://blog.calm.com/blog/cognitive-load-1