Decision Fatigue: When self-care feels like another thing on your to-do list
Anyone else notice how exhausting it can be to make decisions lately?
Between work, family responsibilities, and everything that goes into running a household, it can feel like you're making hundreds of small decisions every single day. From what's for dinner, to scheduling appointments, answering emails, helping the kids, managing finances, and remembering all the little things, sometimes it can feel like it’s never ending and overwhelming.
It’s called decision fatigue, and it can happen when we are so overwhelmed with the amount of decisions we need to make in a day, the thought of making even one more (even a little one), can be too much. And, on top of all that, I don’t know about you, but I like I’m constantly surrounded by messages telling us what we should be doing to stay healthy; drink enough water, get enough steps, eat enough protein and fibre, lift weights, sleep eight hours, practice mindfulness, reduce stress…
These are all awesome and important, but they can also start to feel like another daunting checklist that if you don’t complete, you’re failing somehow again… and the thought of adding one more thing to the list feels like too much.
Self-care doesn't always mean doing more, but it can mean prioritizing some time in the day to do things just for you.
What it might look like:
Taking a walk by yourself (this is an important part!)
Reading a book without interruptions
Just taking a few minutes and lying down when you're feeling overwhelmed (I literally did this just yesterday)
Zone out in front of the tv with a show and don’t feeling guilty that you should be doing something more productive.
Rest is productive.
Self-care doesn't have to be a massage or a spa day, in order to be productive.
Why it’s important
I've noticed that when I prioritize even a small amount of time for myself, I have more patience, more energy, and greater capacity to be present for my people.
Lately, my favourite forms of self-care have been taking a quick walk around the block after meals whenever I can, and reading early in the morning before the rest of the family wakes up.
They're simple and quick and can be woven into my day, and they give me some time for myself, before I need to go back work.
What Does Self-Care Look Like for You?
Sometimes we don’t notice we need to take time for ourselves until it’s too late. We might get sick, or have a hard time recovering from a simple cold because our body is trying to tell us it just needs more rest. Or maybe we start to feel more irritable, emotional or more tired than usual. Our bodies have a way of telling us when we need more rest. Just take a minute and ask yourself what can you do today, that’s just for you. Even for 10-15 minutes.
It doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to take an hour or two. Small moments really do add up.
If you're finding that stress, overwhelm, or decision fatigue are starting to affect your day-to-day life, counselling can help. It gives you the opportunity to slow down, talk things through, and learn practical strategies to help you feel more like yourself again.
I offer counselling in Port Moody and virtually across BC. If you think we might be a good fit, you're welcome to book a complimentary 15-minute consultation or a counselling appointment.