Every moment of your day is full of choices. Should I snooze my alarm or get out of bed? When do I to respond to my emails? What do I want to eat for dinner? Over time, even the simplest choices, like picking a pen color, feels like a monumental task (at least for me). Welcome to decision fatigue. The more decisions you have to make over the course of your day, the more physically, mentally, and emotionally depleted you become. So, what are some ways we can combat decision fatigue and reclaim our mental energy?
Tip #1: Making Decisions Earlier in the Day
Try making the big decisions earlier in the day when your mind is fresh. Of course not everyone is a morning person, so this doesn’t mean you need to do this immediately when you get out of bed. Instead, you can create a to-do list while drinking your first cup of coffee or after your morning routine to reduce decision fatigue later in the day. Then, you have more energy to spend on completing planned tasks instead of wearing out your mind choosing what to do next throughout the day.
Tip #2: Reducing Number of Choices
Plan to reduce the number of choices you experience in your overall day to day life. For example, write out your dinner plans for every night of the week on Sunday night, including whether you are eating at home, picking something up, or going out. For home-cooked meals, only buy ingredients you need so you don’t end up opening your fridge to a wall of expired veggies for a recipe you were going to “try” two weeks ago.
Tip #3: Getting into a Routine and Rhythm
Routines can curb decision fatigue as you find a rhythm in knowing what to expect. When you have consistency in your day-to-day life, decision-making is quicker, less stressful, and lower stakes. The repetition in routines can lead to building helpful habits and improving executive functions.
Tip #4: Taking Brain Breaks
Regular brain breaks help us recharge and reset. Take a walk while listening to your favorite song (or podcast) so you get a change of scenery and You can also practice deep breathing for a few minutes to reduce the stress and mental noise. Or even do a crossword or Wordle to regulate your system.
