The hidden mental health toll of decision fatigue

STOCK PHOTO Every day, we make hundreds of choices. Some are relatively simple, like choosing what to wear or what to eat. Others carry more weight, such as decisions surrounding work priorities, family responsibilities, health or financial matters. Over time, the need to constantly make decisions can leave us mentally drained and more vulnerable to stress than we realize. This is often referred to as decision fatigue. Decision fatigue describes the idea that the quality of our decision-making can decline after we have been faced with repeated choices. As our mental energy is used throughout the day, we may become more likely to procrastinate, avoid decisions, choose the easiest option or make impulsive choices that we later regret. Making decisions requires mental effort. Each time we weigh options, manage emotions, solve a problem or try to control an impulse, we are using cognitive resources. During periods of chronic stress, this can become even more difficult. Stress affects areas