Load Minimization Theory-Based Low-Load Emotional Processing Protocol: A 3-Step Practical Guide for Everyday Mental Health Maintenance

This paper proposes a daily protocol for mental health maintenance grounded in Load Minimization Theory (LMT), reframing emotions not as threats but as brain-generated processing-request signals. The simple 3-step process—(1) Receive (data-ization), (2) Decompose (separation), (3) Address (focus)—separates emotional energy (noise) from pure informational data, minimizing prediction errors and sustaining equanimity. Inspired by an ASD-like logical system yet accessible to neurotypical individuals, it is particularly effective during fatigue, relational stress, or emotional crises. A core feature is enabling “low-load safe base” relationships: by sharing only organized data, one creates interactions free of anger, demands, or blame, preserving structural integrity while fostering a gentle “meh, whatever ♡” space of equanimity. Practical steps, real-life examples, scientific rationale (drawing on predictive processing and emotional signal theories), benefits, and limitations are presented. This protocol bridges neurodiversity-informed logic with universal mental health practice, offering a compassionate, low-load path toward daily stability and resonant care. Keywords : Load Minimization Theory, LMT, emotional signal processing, low-load protocol, mental health maintenance, prediction error minimization, structural integrity, equanimity, safe base, neurodiversity, predictive processing, relational care, emotional data separation, compassionate logic