Decision fatigue is a resounding theme among most women practically every day of their lives. Decision fatigue can be as simple as their partner asking them what they want to eat for dinner. It doesn’t matter how genuine the partner’s intentions might seem, it’s still another decision they must make. The fatigue of making decisions can steal away a multitude of joys and leave one feeling exhausted. Some describe it as decision overload as they are overwhelmed and tired.
What is decision fatigue?
Decision fatigue can be explained as a battery that loses its power over time as you make decisions. The theory is that we only have so many decisions to consider until our battery is depleted. Numerous symptoms could be listed, however, irritability is the most prominent. Many women who experience decision fatigue could feel intense anger if asked to decide yet another decision after making numerous decisions that day.
Decision fatigue isn’t talked about enough as numerous women experience it daily and don’t have the resources to combat this occurrence.
Tip #1: Remove the daily decisions
By making a simple choice, you can eliminate daily decisions like what to eat for breakfast. It’s highly recommended to choose a meal you prefer for breakfast and stick with it. You can change your decision when needed, but if you eat the same breakfast each day then that is one less decision you need to make daily.
You can also choose what you wear each day by planning your outfits a week in advance. You don’t need to wake up and stare at your closet feeling decision fatigue if you already made that decision ahead of time. These small but substantial decisions are going to save you quite a bit of time and mental energy during your week.
Quick tips:
- Choose one daily breakfast.
- Meal plan for a week’s worth of food.
- Plan a week’s worth of outfits to wear.
Tip #2: Communicate with your partner
I have been told more than once that we believe our partners should understand that we are overwhelmed and can’t make more decisions. This would be applicable in an ideal world where our partners could read our minds, but unfortunately, we don’t live in that world. There is a high chance that your partner doesn’t experience decision fatigue, and doesn’t understand what you are struggling with. They may know you are feeling irritable but won’t know what is causing it unless you communicate that to them.
Consider sitting down with your partner to explain what you are struggling with, and potentially communicate what decisions they could help you make. My partner asks for my participation in making decisions to include me. Even though that is quite kind of him it’s too much for me at times. Communication will be a great asset to you if you experience decision fatigue in a relationship.
Tip #3: Plan time to relax your brain
It is most likely that those of us who experience decision fatigue are go-getters who never give up. This means that scheduling time to take a break will be incredibly helpful. The irritation and pain of decision fatigue will lessen if we truly give ourselves breaks from decision-making.
Plan a day where every small decision is already made for yourself and enjoy what was already planned. This could be as simple as choosing a coffee you love and scheduling a massage afterwards. This planned time of relaxation could assist with your exhaustion more than you might think.
Final thoughts
As someone who has experienced decision fatigue extensively, I’ve learned how irritable you can become. You aren’t alone in that feeling, and I want you to know that anger isn’t you. It’s simply a byproduct of pushing yourself too far and you are now experiencing symptoms. It doesn’t mean you are an unreliable person, it means you got too busy creating the life you want.
Take some time to remind yourself of the life you are working towards, and slow down enough to enjoy the process.
Emily VerMeer, a dedicated freelance writer, diligently seeks meaning in each endeavour she undertakes. Discover more of her captivating work on her website.
