You may not know that you are struggling with overcoming decision fatigue because you may not know what it is.
Decision fatigue happens when we are overwhelmed by the number of choices we face, leading to poor decision-making or mental burnout. We often make impulsive decisions because decision-making is too difficult, especially with those suffering from ADHD, like me (Shannon).
Ever feel like by the end of the day, your brain is too fried to decide what to have for dinner? Or worse, you make a bad choice because your brain is overloaded and you feel there isn’t enough space for decision making?
I can often be heard as saying, “Just make the decision. I don’t want to make any decisions!” If you can relate, you are more than likely experiencing decision fatigue.
What is Decision Fatigue?
Decision fatigue is a real phenomenon where the more decisions we make throughout the day, the harder it gets to make good choices.
Decision fatigue occurs because our brains have a limited amount of energy for decision-making. Just like any muscle, the more we use it, the more it gets tired.
Think of it like your phone battery running low—you might start with 100% battery, but after a lot of use, you’ll find yourself struggling to stay focused and make good calls by the end of the day.
Recognizing decision fatigue is the first step in combating it. If you don’t realize it’s happening, it can spiral and start affecting your personal and professional life.
Similar to burnout, we often don’t know we are there until we begin suffering from it.
Don’t worry, though. We will share with you how we have overcome decision fatigue, at least when we recognize it.
The Impact of Decision Fatigue
The effects of decision fatigue can be more subtle than we realize, but they start to show up in how we make decisions.
We’re more likely to procrastinate, make impulsive choices, or even avoid making decisions altogether.
For example, maybe you’ve had days where you just can’t decide on a simple task like answering emails, so you push it off, and it creates a bigger stress pile later on.
It’s not just about the choices themselves. Decision fatigue affects our emotions, too. You might feel more frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed when faced with too many decisions.
This emotional weight can create a cycle where you feel mentally burnt out, which can affect relationships, productivity, and even your health.
Signs You’re Experiencing Decision Fatigue
Now that we’ve talked about what decision fatigue is, how do you know if you’re dealing with it? Here are a few key signs to look out for:
- Indecisiveness
You find yourself stuck in indecision, unable to pick a restaurant for dinner or plan your week because there are just too many options. When decision fatigue hits, even choosing the smallest thing feels overwhelming. - Mental Fog
You’re mentally exhausted, and your thoughts feel cloudy. Your brain is too full to think clearly about anything. It’s like your brain is overloaded and can’t process another task. - Procrastination
You keep putting things off because the mental energy required to make a decision seems impossible. This usually leads to a pile-up of tasks that you feel you can’t face. - Emotional Exhaustion
You feel stressed, anxious, or irritable. Your patience is thin, and even small issues start feeling like big problems because you’re just too drained to deal with them. - Making Impulsive Decisions
You’re more likely to make snap decisions without thinking things through. This can lead to mistakes or choices you end up regretting later.
Let’s Talk: Overcoming Decision Fatigue
Since we make our mental health a priority, we know that brain fog, feeling like our brains are not working correctly, is a scary thing but is a sign of some sort of fatigue or overwhelm.
We’re sharing what we have done to help ourselves overcome decision fatigue in our own lives and just may help you.
Simplify Your Life
The good news is there are plenty of ways to manage decision fatigue and regain control. The first thing you can do is simplify your life. The fewer decisions you have to make, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel.
These can be having your clothes laid out for the following day, blocking off your calendar for specific tasks, and meal planning. Control the things you can control.
Speaking of Routines
Routines can be a lifesaver. By making decisions in advance can reduce the number of decisions you need to make each day. This frees up your brainpower for the bigger, more important decisions.
Plus, if you set aside the time to pre-plan when you are fresh, you don’t have to use any brain power later for those routines and rituals.
Prioritize Big Decisions
Not all decisions are created equal. If you can, focus on the most important decisions first when your brain has the most energy.
For example, plan out your work tasks or set long-term goals earlier in the day when you’re still sharp.
Delegate and Automate
Outsource tasks when you can. Whether it’s asking someone else to make a decision for you or automating things like bill payments or task reminders, this can significantly reduce the mental load.
Set Boundaries
The most difficult thing we have to work through is boundaries. We’re getting better at setting them and holding them. It is a work in progress, so we get it.
Learn to say no. Protect your time by setting limits on how many decisions you can handle in a day. If you’re feeling mentally drained, it’s okay to step back and focus on what really matters.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking breaks throughout the day to reset and recharge can also help. Even just stepping away for a few minutes, taking a walk, or practicing deep breathing can refresh your brain and help you make clearer decisions later on.
You know we love the pomodoro method!
Consider Small Steps in Overcoming Decision Fatigue
Take a step back and think about how decision fatigue is showing up in your life.
Can you declutter? Remember, clutter isn’t just physical; it is mental and digital. It all adds up to overwhelm.
Is there a place where you can simplify things? Maybe it’s meal planning for the week, setting clear boundaries, or creating a routine around your decision-making process.
Start small and see how you feel! What’s one thing you can do this week to reduce it in your life?
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
While decision fatigue can affect anyone, older adults may experience it differently due to changes in cognitive function over time. However, it’s more about the volume and complexity of decisions than age. People of all ages can experience decision fatigue if they have to make many decisions, especially under stress.
The duration of decision fatigue varies from person to person. It can last until you rest and recharge your mental energy or take a break. If you manage your decision-making processes better, it will be less likely to be prolonged.
Eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can all help maintain mental clarity and energy. Regular physical activity can also boost cognitive function, helping you make decisions more easily.
