Every day, we make dozens of decisions and that can leave some people feeling exhausted. A psychologist offers advice on how to handle ‘decision fatigue.’
Every day, we make dozens of decisions—some big, some small.
And when you add them all up, it can leave a person feeling exhausted.
“’Decision fatigue’ is the mental exhaustion that we experience from making many decisions in one day. It can lead to poor decision-making, or difficulty making decisions and choices,” explains Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Albers said ‘decision fatigue’ can also lead to procrastination, avoiding decisions, feeling paralyzed, emotional fog and impulsive decisions.
So, what can someone do to relieve their fatigue?
• To start, she suggests creating a routine. This way you know what to expect each day.
• The same goes for limiting your options, like with what to eat for dinner. You could do meatless Mondays or taco Tuesdays.
• Staying organized with a calendar can be another good tool.
• And don’t be afraid to delegate decisions. For example, if your child is old enough, let them pick out their clothes. This teaches them independence and eases your mental load.
• Finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
“The number one cause of decision fatigue is being sleep deprived. Studies have shown that we struggle to make decisions when we are overly tired or feeling fatigued,” said Dr. Albers. “The best defense and way to buffer yourself from decision fatigue is to get a good night’s sleep.”
If you are still feeling overwhelmed in your day-to-day life, it’s best to consult with a mental health professional. They can provide more advice on how to navigate any challenges.
Source: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/11/04/tips-for-combating-decision-fatigue
