You make dozens of decision on a daily basis. Some are big like planning an event, healthcare options for you or a family member, and making a big financial purchase. Others are small like which errand to do next, which phone call to make first, or what to make for lunch.
When it becomes difficult to figure out seemingly simple things like what ply of toilet paper to buy, you are probably experiencing decision fatigue.
Decision fatigue is a state of mental overload that can impede a person’s ability to continue making decisions.
Signs of decision fatigue:
1. Inability to think clearly or focus
2. Frequent procrastination
3. Avoidance of decision-making tasks
4. Irritability and a short temper caused—at least in part—by frustration with themselves
5. Impulsivity
6. Feeling overwhelmed and possibly even hopeless
7. Spending a lot of time making decisions
8. Physical symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, and upset stomach
9. A sense of dissatisfaction with any choice that is ultimately made
(Source realsimple.com)
Tips to combat decision fatigue:
SIMPLIFY!!
- “Subtract” rather than “add” to your life - reduces mental and physical clutter (clutter is a form of indecision)
- Say no to extra, energy draining commitments - reduces “calendar clutter”
- Unplug from social media and the news - reduces emotional clutter
- Plan ahead as much as you can, establish routines- frees up mental space when things are automated
If you can relate to this topic, click the button in the lower right corner and sign up for a FREE coaching call to experience how life coaching can help you avoid decision fatigue and THRIVE instead!