I’ve recently realized that during virtually all of my most successful applications of reasoning throughout life (placing in some math competitions, achieving considerably better SAT results than on any of a multitude of practice tests, drawing in chess against masters despite being a pretty lousy player and lacking theoretical knowledge) I had an intense headache. I have participated in mathematical contests and chess games on a very regular basis, and I know with certainty that quite a few involved at least as much pressure as the ones where I had serious success. But I felt well - and failed/lost miserably on many of these. Likewise with the most difficult exams I’ve had. I do not always reason well when I have a severe migraine, but my best mental achievements almost invariably come during them.
Oddly enough, I also tend to do better in chess when moderately drunk.
Is this a known phenomenon or am I just imagining a correlation where there is none?
I think you’ve found a correlation that isn’t really there. I knew a bunch of fencers in college who would go to tournaments hung over because they thought it would “give something to focus through” and help them out.
They were pretty terrible.
That said, I’ve been reading a diet that says to sharpen your mental faculties by keeping yourself half-starved, the idea being that your body kicks into “survival mode” whereby you perform better.
Fencers didn’t prove that one well though, although that’s anecdotal.
I’m leaning toward the, “Non-existant correlation ,” theory myself.
Though I’m hoping that some of the more learned 'Dopers will drop by with some insights.
Speaking strictly for me, during a kidney stone attack, all I can think of is “Oh my god this hurts!” and “how long until the drugs kick in?” I can’t imagine doing stuff like playing chess when I’m in pain.
When I had my hip replaced I have to admit that I don’t really remember the pain. I remember there was pain,and it was bad, the surgeon told my wife that my pain was like walking with a broken leg , my memory seems like it i’m just telling a story.
Soooo I would guess that if you don’t really remember the pain your mental abilities are really dulled instead of improved.