![]() ![]() Over the last couple of years, a massive amount of stress and uncertainty has resulted in a high level of decision fatigue, or difficulty making moves both large and small.Ī 2021 survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association found that almost one-third of adults (32%) said sometimes they’re so stressed about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that they struggle to make basic decisions, with Millennials faring the worst at 48%. And the impact stretches from the day-to-day and beyond. More than one-third said it has been more stressful to make day-to-day decisions (36%) and major life decisions (35%) compared with before the pandemic. ![]() And slightly more than three in five people (61%) said the last couple of years has made them rethink how they’re living their lives. This bears out especially for parents and people of color, whose lives have been disproportionately upended over the past few years. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Why we’re struggling with decision-making The good news is, there’s a reason why making decisions feels especially hard right now, and expert strategies to make the path forward a little clearer, no matter where you’re looking to go. There’s a neurological reason so many of us are struggling right now. The brain is a muscle, and just like our biceps and glutes, it gets fatigued after lots of exercise. “When we are facing stress, especially when it's prolonged chronic stress, it drains our mental resources,” explains Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a certified cognitive specialist for Brain Balance. And these past two-plus years have been constantly navigating change.” “Change takes mental engagement to do things differently. That incessant barrage of calculations means our brains have fewer resources to support executive functions that get strengthened over time, chief among them the ability to make decisions. “Our brains are functioning sort of like teens’, having a harder time making decisions, plans and focusing.” “It's why we expect teenagers to be more prone to making bad decisions because they have less mature networks and pathways and those executive functions,” Jackson adds. If you’re someone who also has a hard time staying focused or managing your emotions and mood due to ADHD, anxiety or depression or other mental health concerns, Jackson notes that this decision fatigue is likely to hit you even harder. ![]() Of course, we can’t get away from making choices in life. But there’s a difference between picking a type of cereal in the morning and a new career path. Realizing what kind of decision you’re facing makes a difference in how you approach it, points out Russ Roberts, economist and author of Wild Problems. ![]()
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