You’re standing in front of the closet, staring at your clothes. Ten minutes pass, and you’re still not sure what to wear. It seems like such a small decision, but your brain feels stuck, heavy, and drained. By the time you finally decide, you already feel drained.
If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing decision fatigue. And when you add anxiety into the mix, even the simplest choices can feel overwhelming.
Let’s break down why this happens and what you can do to ease the mental load.
What Is Decision Fatigue?
Decision fatigue is exactly what it sounds like: mental exhaustion that builds up after making too many choices.
Think of your mind like a phone battery. Every time you make a decision (big or small), you use up a little more energy. By the end of the day, even deciding what show to watch can feel impossible.
Research suggests that the average adult makes over 35,000 decisions a day. No wonder we feel exhausted before the day is even over.
The Link Between Decision Fatigue and Anxiety
For people who live with anxiety, decision fatigue can feel especially heavy. That’s because anxiety magnifies even the smallest choices, turning them into what feels like high-stakes decisions.
Something as simple as choosing what to eat for dinner can spiral into a debate about whether it’s the “right” choice, leading to second-guessing and mental exhaustion. This cycle often leaves you drained… not just from the decisions themselves but from the endless worry surrounding them. It’s a loop that leaves you mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. It can sneak into daily life and disguise itself as procrastination, irritability, or burnout.
Some common signs include:
– Struggling to make even small decisions
– Feeling mentally drained or irritable after simple choices
– Putting off decisions until the last minute
– Regretting or second-guessing choices after you’ve made them
– Feeling paralyzed by too many options
If you notice these patterns often, especially alongside anxiety, it may be more than just “being indecisive.”
How to Ease Decision Fatigue and Anxiety
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to lighten the mental load and reduce the cycle of overthinking.
1. Simplify Your Choices
Reduce the number of decisions you need to make each day. For example, plan meals ahead of time, set routines for your mornings, or create a “uniform” of go-to outfits. The fewer small decisions you face, the more energy you’ll have for bigger ones
2. Notice Your Energy Levels
Big decisions are best made when you’re rested. If possible, tackle important choices earlier in the day when your mental energy is higher, and save simpler tasks for later.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Remember: no decision will ever be perfect. Allow yourself to make choices without expecting flawless outcomes. Self-kindness reduces the pressure that fuels both decision fatigue and anxiety.
4. Seek Support When Needed
If decision fatigue and anxiety are disrupting your daily life, working with a therapist can help. Therapy provides tools to calm your nervous system, clarify your values, and strengthen your confidence in decision-making.
You Don’t Have to Carry the Weight Alone
Decision fatigue isn’t laziness. It’s your brain saying, “I’m tired.” By simplifying your choices, challenging old patterns, and getting support when you need it, you can break the cycle of overthinking and reclaim your energy.
You deserve to live with less doubt and more peace.
If decision-making has become overwhelming, call 303-775-8474 to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you find clarity and calm.