Mental Overload & Decision Fatigue: Why You’re So Tired (And What Helps)

Introduction: It’s Not Just You—Your Brain Is Exhausted

Ever feel like even the simplest decisions—what to eat, what to wear, when to respond—feel strangely overwhelming? That’s not laziness. What if it's decision fatigue? A very real form of mental overload that can leave you feeling drained, distracted, and stuck.

Our brains are designed to make thousands of small decisions a day, but when we don’t give them the chance to rest or reset, we get stuck in a loop of indecision and overwhelm. And if you’re already navigating ADHD, anxiety, parenting, caregiving, or high-stress work? That toll adds up fast.

What Causes Decision Fatigue?

One of the biggest contributors to decision fatigue is the sheer volume of micro-decisions we make each day—from choosing what to wear to how we respond to texts or emails. Each small decision drains a bit of our mental energy. Without a routine or structure in place, your brain is forced to work even harder to prioritize and initiate tasks, especially if you struggle with ADHD or executive functioning challenges. Add in constant distractions like notifications, open browser tabs, and background worries, and you’ve got a recipe for cognitive overload. Over time, this state becomes exhausting and unsustainable. Notifications, texts, and mental tabs running in the background increase cognitive load, making it harder to focus and follow through.

How to Reset Your Brain

1. Reduce Unnecessary Decisions

Simplify where you can: set out clothes the night before, automate meals, or use checklists for repeat tasks. The fewer decisions you have to make, the more energy you’ll conserve.

2. Use External Systems

Calendars, visual reminders, alarms, and accountability partners can take pressure off your working memory so your brain isn’t juggling everything all at once.

3. Take Brain Breaks Seriously

Your brain isn’t meant to run on full power all day. Schedule short breaks, avoid multitasking, and engage in low-stimulation activities like walking, stretching, or listening to music without a screen.

Final Thoughts

Mental overload doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means your brain is trying its best with what it has. With a few intentional strategies, you can reclaim your focus, reduce overwhelm, and make decisions with more clarity and confidence.

📖 Feeling overloaded? Let’s work on systems that support your brain—not drain it. Book a session here.

• References:

  • Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Penguin Press.

  • Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved. Guilford Press.

  • American Psychological Association. (2023). Decision fatigue and mental load.