Why do we feel irritable when our rhythm is disrupted by others?
Experts from Yafang Psychological Counseling say that the human brain naturally prefers order and predictability. We reduce uncertainty by forming habits and routines to gain a sense of control. When our daily rhythm is disrupted, such as unexpected meetings, unplanned events, or sudden increase in workload, the gap between expectation and reality can trigger psychological discomfort, manifested as irritability and restlessness.
When our daily routine is disrupted, the brain’s stress system is activated, releasing stress hormones including cortisol. These chemicals are originally meant to help us deal with emergencies, but when over-secreted in non-emergency daily situations, they keep the body in a constant state of alertness, leading to irritability.
Maintaining the rhythm of daily life consumes a lot of cognitive resources. When we are forced to adapt to new situations, the brain must reallocate these resources to process new information and make decisions, increasing cognitive load. If it exceeds one’s cognitive capacity, one may feel powerless and experience emotional fluctuations.
Habits are patterns formed by the brain to save energy. Once disrupted, the brain needs additional energy to readjust, which can lead to fatigue, especially when habits are deeply ingrained. This physiological and psychological extra burden can make one feel tired and irritable.
The irritability when the rhythm is disrupted is a part of our psychological mechanism, reminding us of the need to adjust and cope with changes.
Editor: Yishan
