From the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep, your brain makes thousands of decisions. Various scientists claim that on average, adults make around 35,000 conscious decisions every day. This can drain your energy, making even simple choices difficult. But experts say there are ways to overcome what’s known as “decision fatigue.”

What should I make for dinner? What should I wear to work? Do I have time to go to the gym? Or is it better to take a brisk walk? These are all simple questions, but the weight of answering them every day can become heavy. Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said it’s called decision fatigue and it’s real.

“Decision fatigue is the mental exhaustion that individuals feel when making multiple decisions throughout the day,” said Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Albers said this is a common problem among many adults and can be caused by stress, feeling overwhelmed and lack of sleep. Because decision fatigue can build up over time, it can be difficult to spot. She said warning signs include procrastination, decision avoidance, impulsive decision-making, irritability, brain fog and confusion. “We all have to make several decisions in a day that can impact those around us. For example, if you are a single parent or make the majority of decisions at work, you may struggle to make these choices more often,” Albers said. To help beat decision fatigue, Albers advised creating a routine to help you know what to expect each day, limiting your options, such as having take-out meal ideas, prioritizing decisions and delegating making decisions. decision when you can.

“The kids can decide what to wear in the morning or a spouse can help us decide what to make for dinner. This helps take the pressure off and decreases some of the decisions you have to make that aren’t that important.

Albers said studies show we make our best decisions first thing in the morning.