Decision Fatigue
Decision Fatigue – It’s a thing. Have you heard of it? Whether you have or not, you can probably relate to it from time to time. If you’re stressing over how to make a big decision – or even a small one – you may be facing Decision Fatigue.
What is it?
Decision Fatigue is not a medical diagnosis. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect many of us. Cleveland Clinic has a great definition[1], but, put simply, it’s the feeling of being so “over it” mentally because of the thousands of decisions you’ve made that now it feels hard to function and make any more decisions – big or small. Furthermore, decision fatigue is more likely to occur during difficult situations (like an unexpected pregnancy!), so give yourself some grace, and read ahead for some tips about how to overcome it.
Coping with Decision Fatigue
- Breathe: Seems simple, right? It is! Bonus: it’s free, too! Whether you stop yourself to focus on your breath or learn some deep breathing techniques[2], a purposeful pause is a great place to start when you need to exit Freak Out Mode.
- Move Your Body. We know exercise is good for us, but even a short walk has great benefits[3] both physically and mentally.
- Shift Your Mindset: Many of us jump to worst-case “what if?” scenarios quickly. Allow yourself to think about best-case “what if?” scenarios. What if it all works out great?
- Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to reach out to a trusted advisor or friend who truly has your best interest at heart.
When to Seek Help:
Remember that Decision Fatigue is not something that occurs all the time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis, it might be time to reach out to a medical provider to get some help[4]. If an unexpected pregnancy has you feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. Reach out to us today by text (417-593-1882) or phone (417-272-5210), or schedule your first appointment on our website.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources:
- 8 Signs of Decision Fatigue and How to Cope. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 1). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/decision-fatigue
- Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief. WebMD. (2024, March 5). https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques
- The Health Benefits of Walking. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 29). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-walking
- NAMI Help Line. NAMI. (n.d.) https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/