Ego Depletion

Ego depletion refers to the idea that self-control or willpower draw upon a limited pool of mental resources that can be used up. 

When the energy for mental activity is low, self-control is typically impaired, which would be considered a state of ego depletion. 

In particular, experiencing a state of ego depletion impairs the ability to control oneself later on. 

A depleting task requiring self-control can have a hindering effect on a subsequent self-control task, even if the tasks are seemingly unrelated. 

Self-control plays a valuable role in the functioning of the self on both individualistic and interpersonal levels. Ego depletion is therefore a critical topic in experimental psychology, specifically social psychology, because it is a mechanism that contributes to the understanding of the processes of human self-control.

The word "ego" in "ego depletion" is used in the psychological sense rather than the colloquial sense.