Sober Synthesis

What is Decision Fatigue?

• The theory, supported by research in various fields, describes that a human’s ability to make decisions can get worse after making many decisions, as their brain will be more fatigued.
  • The more decisions a person makes over the course of a day, the more physically, mentally and emotionally depleted they become. 
  • A person experiencing decision fatigue struggles with executive functioning. This can have a wide range of consequences, including impaired judgment.
  • Decision fatigue can lead to 1 of 2 outcomes. 
    • Risky decision-making 
    • Decision avoidance.

How Can I Minimize Decision Fatigue?

• Focus on self care (sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness)
• Prioritize decisions
• Make more complex decisions earlier in the day
• Maintain unchanging routines
• Allow others to help
• Build “downtime” into your day, especially in the evening.
• Celebrate good decisions

Proposed Questions for Thought/Sharing:

1. Have you experienced decision fatigue? If so, have you developed successful practices to minimize decision fatigue?
2. In planning for the future, do you have new thoughts/plans to implement practices to minimize decision fatigue?

Disclaimer

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.