How Can We Combat Decision Fatigue?

Can’t choose between coffee and tea? All these daily decisions are leaving us exhausted, says Camilla Hewitt

How To Overcome Indecision

Life is a series of choices – it’s estimated that the average adult makes 35,000 each day. These decisions, from routine ones to major life shifts, don’t just shape our journey, they also have a direct impact on our wellbeing. While many are made without a second thought, there are some choices, big or small, that can feel impossible, leaving us anxious or exhausted.

Now more than ever, we’re overwhelmed with information, options and opinions, making even simple decisions – like what to have for breakfast – seem complicated. Whether you struggle with making the ‘right’ choice, always feel pressured to say ‘yes’, or you’re afraid of the unknown, decision-making can be debilitating. To uncover strategies for overcoming indecision, I spoke to Adrienne Adhami, wellbeing coach and author of Decisions That Matter.

How Do We Move Forward From Indecision?

Adhami recommends setting a deadline. ‘Every decision, big or small, can benefit from a clear timeframe. If it’s a low stakes choice, give yourself a few hours. If it’s high, set a realistic deadline (a week, a month) and commit to making the call.’ She also advises simplifying the decision-making process by focusing on what truly matters. ‘We often get caught up in details,’ she explains. ‘Instead, ask yourself: “What is the core factor driving this decision?”’ While Adhami acknowledges some choices require time and reflection, she warns against getting stuck in an endless cycle of overthinking. ‘The key is recognising when you’re procrastinating just to avoid taking action.’

Adrienne Adhami

Head Or Heart?

One common challenge with decision-making is knowing what, or who, to listen to. Your head may push you in one direction, while your heart pulls you in another, and then there’s the added weight of other people’s opinions. ‘Your head brings logic, your heart intuition. Other people bring perspective. The key is knowing when to lean on each.’ If you’re feeling stuck, Adhami recommends asking yourself: ‘What does logic say? Consider pros, cons, risks, and opportunities. What does my gut say? Does the choice excite you, make you anxious, or fill you with dread? Whose advice actually matters?’ Not everyone’s opinion is valuable; speak to the people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Creating the right environment for decision-making. Finally, Adhami advises cultivating space for effective decision-making. ‘Imagine trying to make a life-changing decision in a room full of noise and distractions – you wouldn’t be able to hear yourself think. Clarity comes from creating space, whether that’s a weekend retreat, therapy, a long walk, or simply switching off your phone for a few hours.’ By stepping away from external noise and tuning into your own thoughts, you’ll probably find that you already know the answer. ‘Knowing is the easy part,’ Adhami continues. ‘Following through is often the most important step.’

Contemplative Retreats

Borgo Egnazia, Italy

Held twice a year, the Fìrmete retreat at Borgo Egnazia offers an opportunity to pause and listen to yourself. Mindfulness practices and cognitive enhancement techniques help recalibrate the mind, while workshops on the art of juggling foster concentration, balance, and fluidity.

borgoegnazia.com

Valldemossa, Mallorca

A sanctuary for quiet contemplation, Valldemossa Hotel has just 12 luxurious suites, each with views over sun-drenched orchards and the Tramuntana mountains beyond. A haven for writers, artists, and composers, this historic town has long been a source of creative inspiration.

valldemossahotel.com

Seven Lion Yard, London

This new wellbeing centre in southwest London is founded on the belief that true psychological change comes from integrating what people know with what they feel, and offers a unique blend of traditional therapy and somatic practices. 

sevenlionyard.com

Decisions That Matter is out now