Life Hacks to Avoid Decision Fatigue

Life Hacks to Avoid Decision Fatigue

Have you ever felt totally worn out from making too many choices in a day? That’s called decision fatigue. When we make a lot of decisions—big or small—our brains get tired, and it becomes harder to make good choices. Decision fatigue can lead us to make snap decisions or avoid making decisions at all, even when it’s important. But there are ways to save our brain power for what matters most. Here’s a list of life hacks to help you streamline your day so you can focus on making better choices without wearing yourself out.

1. Simplify Your Morning Routine

Mornings can be full of decisions: What to wear? What to eat for breakfast? Try creating a basic routine that’s the same every morning. For example:

• Lay out your clothes the night before.

• Plan a go-to breakfast like a smoothie or oatmeal that doesn’t take much thought.

This way, you’re saving your brain energy for the rest of the day.

2. Create a Weekly Meal Plan

Instead of deciding what to eat for every meal, try planning your meals for the week. Choose a few easy meals you enjoy and repeat them if that’s helpful. You could even make a menu for each day, so there’s no decision needed at mealtime.

3. Limit Your Outfit Choices

Some successful people (like Mark Zuckerberg!) wear the same type of clothes every day. You don’t have to wear the exact same thing, but keeping a simple wardrobe with easy-to-pair items can make choosing an outfit way easier. Try creating a “capsule wardrobe” of clothes that match each other, so you spend less time deciding what to wear.

4. Set Up a Regular To-Do List

Instead of making decisions about what to do next throughout the day, keep a daily to-do list or planner. Try doing the same types of tasks at the same time each day. For example:

• Set a regular study hour.

• Pick a set time to check emails or texts.

• Block out “quiet time” for reading or relaxing.

This can make your day flow better and help you avoid endless choices.

5. Use “Decision-Free” Days

Choose one day a week to make as few decisions as possible. Prepare meals ahead of time, and avoid big tasks. Use this time to rest your mind and focus only on simple things.

6. Automate Small Choices

Automation helps by making small decisions for you. For example:

• Use apps that automatically save money for you.

• Set up a delivery schedule for household items you regularly buy.

• Automate bill payments so you don’t have to think about them each month.

This takes away the need to decide on these tasks and keeps things running smoothly.

7. Follow the “Two-Minute Rule”

If a task takes two minutes or less, do it immediately rather than putting it off. This prevents decisions from piling up and creating stress. For example:

• Put your shoes away as soon as you come home.

• Reply quickly to simple messages instead of letting them pile up.

This way, you clear out small decisions, keeping your energy focused on bigger choices.

8. Limit Choices When Shopping

Shopping for one item can mean facing a ton of choices. To prevent decision fatigue, set limits before you start shopping. Decide on your budget, color, or brand in advance. This way, you’re not overwhelmed by endless options.

9. Pre-Plan Time to Relax

When you’re tired, it can feel hard to choose how to relax, which can make relaxation less, well, relaxing! Plan specific activities you love, like reading or going for a walk, for certain times each week. This helps you recharge without overthinking what to do with your free time.

10. Practice Saying “No”

Every “yes” is another choice that can drain your energy. Learning to say “no” to extra commitments can give you the space you need to make better decisions in the rest of your life.

Final Thoughts

Decision fatigue is normal, but we can make life easier by creating routines and limiting the number of choices we make. By making fewer small decisions, we save up energy for the things that really matter. Streamlining our days might feel odd at first, but over time, these simple changes can free up our brains to stay calm and focused. The less we’re weighed down by small choices, the more energy we have to make positive, confident decisions in the rest of our lives.