What we'll cover:

• What is decision fatigue?
• How making lots of decisions can affect us
• Practical ways to reduce decision fatigue in everyday life
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What is decision fatigue?

Decision fatigue is a phenomenon which is described as the feeling of becoming mentally tired after making lots of decisions on busy days. Everyday we make choices about food, work, exercise, shopping and many other things. While one decision usually does not feel difficult, these can build up. 

Especially if you are trying to make many changes to your lifestyle at once, this can make it feel draining to action choices that support your goals. 

However, if you feel that you are struggling to do day-to-day tasks regularly, please speak to your GP and clinician to rule out health conditions and for further support.

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How making lots of decisions can affect us

Decision fatigue can affect the choices we make throughout the day. When we are mentally tired, we may be more likely to choose the easiest option rather than the option we originally planned.

This can look different for everyone, here are some examples:

• More impulsive choices - You may choose something quickly without thinking it through or being mindful
• Feeling overwhelmed - Small decisions can build up and leave you feeling mentally drained
• Avoiding decisions - Having too many choices can make you put off making a decision
• Relying on old habits - When tired, you may fall back on familiar routines

Sometimes, these decisions may not be the most helpful for your health journey but this does not mean that you are not making progress. 

It is just as important to be kind to yourself when things do not go as first planned as you focus on making sustainable changes to your lifestyle to allow for easier decision making in the moment.
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Practical ways to reduce decision fatigue

Poor sleep, busy schedules, stress and having too many choices can all have an impact. You can make healthy choices easier by reducing the number of decisions you need to make.

• Plan ahead - Decide what you are going to eat or do before you need to, using a weekly planner for example
• Create simple routines - Regular meal, sleep or movement routines can reduce repeated decisions and changes
• Keep note of reliable options - Have a few meals in mind or written down that you enjoy and can prepare easily, the recipes section on explore will be helpful for this
• Prepare meals in advance - Batch cooking or preparing lunch can make the next decision easier, especially if you find yourself settling for less helpful options
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Summary

Decision fatigue is the mental phenomenon that can happen after making or when faced with lots of decisions. Making some decisions in advance can help you save mental energy for the choices that matter most.