Feeling dumb - 1yr in the game

Hey Monkeys,

I’ve always done well academically and never had trouble thinking quickly or grasping complex stuff. But since starting my first year in IB, I’ve noticed a real decline in my mental sharpness. I struggle to retain what I read, I’m slower at processing, and connecting the dots feels harder than it used to.

I’m wondering if it’s just the grind, or something deeper. Maybe the lack of sleep, constant stress, p*rn use (3–4x a week), or even overuse of short-form content and AI tools are messing with my brain. Could be all of it combined.

Anyone else gone through something like this? Did it get better? Would appreciate any honest takes.

8 Comments
 

I dont watch much short-form content. Can it be p*rn or other factors that are not out of my control (like sleep)?

 
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