Are You Tired of Making Decisions?

If you are tired of making decisions, you aren’t alone. From the time we wake up to when we go to bed we are making decisions. Some of these choices are small and some are more significant. Despite the weight of your decisions, they can be exhausting. If you are feeling as if one more choice will make your head explode, your experience is not as unique as you may think. Decision fatigue is a real thing and impacts many of us.

What is Decision Fatigue?

Just like physical fatigue, making too many decisions can lead to a phenomenon known as decision fatigue. When you are experiencing decision fatigue your ability to make good choices deteriorates over time.

Every choice we make requires mental energy. The brain uses glucose, a form of energy, to process information and make decisions. When we make a large number of decisions, our cognitive resources are drained, making it more difficult to think clearly and act thoughtfully.

This fatigue doesn’t just affect our ability to make complex or important decisions; it can influence even trivial ones, like what to have for lunch. The more decisions we make, the more our mental strength is depleted which can then lead to poor judgment and even decision avoidance altogether. This can look a whole lot like procrastination, and not because you don’t want to complete tasks or make decisions, simply because we lack the energy to do so.

The Impact of Decision Fatigue

Decision fatigue can have a significant impact on both our personal and professional lives. It can lead to;

  1. Impaired Judgment: When decision fatigue sets in, we may opt for the easiest option, rather than the one that is best for us. For example, after a long day, you might grab fast food instead of preparing a healthy meal because it’s the simpler choice.
  2. Decreased Productivity: Decision fatigue can lead to procrastinating or avoiding making important decisions altogether. This can lead to even more distress as important things are left untended.
  3. Emotional Toll: Constantly making decisions can lead to frustration, anxiety, and burnout. In the long run, decision fatigue can negatively affect our mental health, leading to overwhelm and eventual burnout.
  4. Strained Relationships: In personal relationships, decision fatigue can cause tension. For example, couples who argue over everyday decisions like what to eat or where to go on vacation may be experiencing decision fatigue, which affects their ability to communicate and have a healthy relationship.

What Can You Do About Decision Fatigue?

If you are experiencing decision fatigue you are likely wondering what you can do about it. You aren’t alone, there are options and things you can do to feel better. Creating healthier habits and even limiting choices can be helpful. When we prioritize important decisions this can help. Delegating can make a world of difference.

Implementing these options and skills can be difficult to do on your own. The good news is, you aren’t alone! Therapy can help. Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, North Carolina contracts with skilled licensed therapists who can help. Call CCS today to schedule your first counseling appointment. This decision can make future decisions feel a little less exhausting. Call now!