Mental workload refers to the amount of cognitive effort required to complete a task. It involves how much information we need to process, how many decisions we have to make, and how much focus is needed. When the mental workload is high, it can lead to feelings of stress and fatigue, making it harder to think clearly or perform well. Factors that influence mental workload include the complexity of the task, the environment, and individual differences in skills and experience. For example, a student studying for an exam may experience a high mental workload due to the need to memorize information and solve problems, while a teacher managing a classroom may juggle multiple responsibilities at once.