We decide a lot of things during the day. What am I going to eat for breakfast? Do I go to my yoga class? Answer the emails now or after dinner? Ice cream or not? In fact, It’s estimated that the average adult makes a whopping 35,000 decisions per day! This leads to decision fatigue or the inability to make even small, low impact decisions. There are many scientific reasons for decision fatigue as this article shares, however, the basics are that we experience a change in motivation to do something due to impulsivity and focus challenges. Lets look at this definition more and how we can overcome decision fatigue.
What now?
Let’s look at each part of the definition above on why decision fatigue occurs. First, a change in motivation is the result of a lack of resources we intended to use to do something. This loss may happen on one of many levels including physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or even financially, relationally, or time-related. That decision to go to a yoga class because you’re physically tired and emotionally spent even though you know it will be a chance to rest and replenish. Second, impulsivity is when we act without thinking, fail to consider all the factors, or we don’t make an adequate plan prior to engaging in a behavior. This may resemble scrapping the diet in the moment and eating the ice cream. And finally, focus issues happen when we struggle balancing attention and rest, have behavioral health challenges that impact mood, and disorganized approaches to a task. Like when we chronically check our electronic devices for texts, likes, and emails instead of finishing the blog article we’re reading.
The mindful approach to overcome decision fatigue
A mindful approach to overcome decision fatigue helps us experience more effective decision making while also improving our self-confidence. The first thing to consider is how and why you plan to engage in an activity. Is it something you think you “should be” doing based on a yardstick someone else is measuring you against? Say “yes” when it makes sense to say it. And, this isn’t just when saying “yes” to others – it includes saying yes to yourself! Maybe, you do make that yoga class. And, maybe you don’t eat that ice cream or incessantly check those likes on FaceBook. Also, be aware of when impulsivity and urges are driving the proverbial bus. Awareness is the key to making a change. When impulsivity is present, developing the ability to say “no” or “wait” helps to avoid problematic behaviors.
Do you need assistance with learning a mindful approach to decision fatigue? I invite you to Return to Center with me. Join me for Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation here.
Love, Light, Prayers, and Peace!
Alyson Phelan, CYT, CMMT, TRCC
Certified Yoga Teacher
Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher
Trauma Responsive Care Certified
