Recently, our sole family vehicle broke down. In a typical world (whatever that is now), dealing with an aging car would prompt a slew of questions. Should we repair it or trade it in? Do we opt for another slightly embarrassing but practical minivan, or explore the hybrid options? What does our budget allow?
However, in these unprecedented times, this already-stressful decision-making process has spiraled into a chaotic realm of even more questions. Are dealerships open? What about mechanics? Will they be wearing masks? How exactly do we conduct a test drive now? Should I bring gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes? Will I need to interact with another person, and if so, will I have a panic attack or manage to act like a normal human being?
The number of decisions feels overwhelming. Research indicates that the average American makes around 35,000 choices each day. While this number may be accurate, I suspect the average mom is making at least ten times as many. And during this extended quarantine, that number seems to balloon to what could only be described as eleventy billion—give or take.
We were already stretched thin, juggling decisions and the emotional labor of managing a household. Should we enroll the kids in summer camp? One week or two? Half-day or full-day? The more affordable option across town or the pricier one closer to home? Are the kids reading enough? Are they spending too much time on screens? Am I sneaking enough vegetables into their meals? And are we out of Doritos and ice cream?
Now, every single action we take demands intricate planning to sidestep COVID-19. We don’t just grapple with quarantine fatigue; decision fatigue is also looming over us. By “fatigue,” I mean the kind that makes it feel like our heads might spin off into the clouds—it’s downright exhausting.
It’s not just the big choices, like whether it’s safe for our child to return to daycare or if we should reschedule that overdue dental appointment. Even the smallest decisions now require significant mental effort. Grocery shopping isn’t a simple errand anymore; it’s a strategic expedition that takes hours of preparation. Do I have my mask? Yes. Hand sanitizer? Two bottles. Hazmat suit? Let me check Amazon…
All these choices take a toll. We’re buckling under the pressure. Well, I know I certainly am.
Simply put, we’re overthinking too many things. This cognitive overload can lead to anxiety, irritability, stress, and fatigue, according to Dr. Sarah Klein, a psychologist at Stanford University School of Medicine. For some of us, it can even turn us into grumpy drama queens.
As family relationship expert Emma Carter points out, even the simplest decisions can leave us paralyzed. A simple stroll around the block now feels riddled with overwhelming choices that never occupied our thoughts before. It can be so daunting that doing nothing feels like the only option.
Yet, we must eventually emerge from our cocoons. States are beginning to reopen, we miss friends and family, and soon we may even need to return to our workplaces. This creates a new wave of questions and decisions, making the thought of it all enough to make anyone want to hide for the next year or so.
So, what can we do about all these choices? Aside from building an underground bunker, of course.
Experts suggest establishing routines and checklists whenever possible. The fewer decisions we need to make, the better. Without realizing it, I’ve been cycling through the same three shirts and yoga pants for the last ten weeks. Figuring out what to wear each day is one less decision to stress over.
For larger choices, it helps to set criteria and then commit to your decision without second-guessing. Cancel that planned vacation instead of fretting over whether it will actually happen. Or let your employer know you feel safer working from home for another month, then stop worrying about whether that was the right call.
You might consider adopting the 100 percent rule from former Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen, which states that it’s easier to stick to your principles consistently than to do so only part of the time. For example, you could establish strict rules regarding playdates or family visits, or commit to always wearing a mask when you leave home—no exceptions.
Decision fatigue is real and it can be brutal, but there are strategies to help us cope. We just need to find out what works for us. Unfortunately, figuring that out also requires making more decisions. If you’re looking for more tips on navigating the complexities of home life during these times, check out this insightful post on Home Insemination Kit. Also, if you’re exploring options for artificial insemination, Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit is a great resource to consider. Lastly, for comprehensive information regarding pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent guidance.
In summary, we are overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions we have to make in our daily lives, especially during these uncertain times. This decision fatigue can lead to anxiety and stress, but establishing routines and firm guidelines can help alleviate some of this burden.
Keyphrase: decision fatigue
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