July 27, 2020
So, what is decision fatigue? You know that feeling you get when your brain is overwhelmed by tasks, data, and decision making to the point where you're standing in your closet with no idea what to wear, and if someone asks you again what's for dinner, you might just scream? That's decision fatigue.
And in the information-flooded world we live in, it's becoming a real problem, taxing overworked minds, breeding insomniacs, and stressing us out. The more you multitask and the more choices you make, the more difficult it is for your brain to make even simple decisions.
Here are some methods you can use to give your noggin' a break at work.
- Don't let email, texts, and social media notifications disrupt a task. Close your email window, silence the phone, and focus.
- Prioritize important tasks first, one at a time. Try to finish big projects before tackling another.
- Write stuff down. We're big fans of list-making, and it helps keep us on track. Plus, it feels so good to cross things off the list.
- Slow down. Give yourself permission to take your time. It's amazing how quality improves when you don't have to rush.
- Don't be afraid to delegate. If there's a task someone else can handle and the have the bandwidth, hand it off.
- Mindfulness. Bring your attention to the present moment once in a while, and take deep breaths that reduce stress and improve productivity.
- Take breaks and engage with the people around you. Even introverts are social creatures and need human contact. And pets are good, too.
- Sneak in some exercise. Or yoga. Or stretching. A brisk walk can be just the ticket to improve your mood.
- Turn off the news occasionally and limit the doom scrolling through social media. It's important to be informed but give your brain a break.