Decision Fatigue and Why it Drains You
Decision fatigue is number one on my list of reasons for emotional fatigue. Every decision, no matter how small, requires mental energy. Every day we are constantly forced to make decisions—whether about meals, tasks, or schedules—our brains start to tire out. And unlike physical fatigue, which has obvious signs, decision fatigue can often feel intangible, leading us to overlook it as a root cause of exhaustion.
Emotional fatigue arises from any situation that causes stress or drains our emotional reserves, and it often surfaces in ways we might not recognize. In this case, it’s our overtaxed minds creating a steady drain on our energy.
Tips for Easing Decision Fatigue
Fortunately, decision fatigue is manageable with a few intentional adjustments. Here are some practical tips from Dr. McCully to help lighten your mental load:
- Simplify Your Routine: Avoid reinventing the wheel daily. If cooking feels overwhelming, try setting a weekly menu. This way, instead of scrambling to decide what’s for dinner each night, you’ll have a plan ready to go.
- Use the KISS Method: You may have heard the acronym “KISS” (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Embracing simplicity helps reduce unnecessary decisions. I like to emphasize that sticking with familiar, straightforward choices can greatly alleviate stress.
- Create Recurring Habits: Set up small routines to minimize daily choices. Designating days for specific activities—like a “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Friday”—gives you a comforting rhythm that doesn’t require constant planning.
By implementing these techniques, you can preserve mental energy for bigger, more significant decisions and begin to recognize and manage decision fatigue in your life.
Stay Tuned for More in This Series
Over the coming posts, I will uncover other hidden causes of fatigue, exploring how nonphysical factors can wear us out. Fatigue isn’t always a simple matter of physical health. Understanding and addressing these emotional contributors is vital in managing and reducing fatigue.
Join us next time for Part 2, where we’ll look at another under-the-radar reason for fatigue.
If you missed our last blog on the root causes of fatigue, here it is or skip right to the PODCAST!