A clinical psychologist has shared some of her "non-negotiable" habits for starting and ending each day, noting that they help reduce mental fatigue from decision-making and improve mental clarity.
According to Dr. Kim Chronister, a licensed clinical psychologist, people today are faced with a vast array of decisions, both small and large, every day—from simple routine choices to life-changing ones. This overload, exacerbated by technology and constant notifications, directly impacts the ability to make good decisions.
She explains that many people are experiencing the phenomenon known as "decision fatigue," where the brain gradually loses the ability to evaluate options rationally.
What is decision fatigue?
According to her, this condition is related to the functioning of the prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain responsible for judgment, impulse control, and planning.
When the brain is constantly exposed to too much information and decisions, its performance declines. As a result, people tend to become more impulsive, more emotionally exhausted, and more likely to avoid making decisions.
“The greater the mental load, the poorer the quality of decisions becomes,” she points out, adding that even highly skilled people can make bad decisions at the end of the day.
The rule of three decisions in the morning
Psychology suggests creating a consistent morning routine that minimizes unnecessary decisions. This could include simple habits like having the same breakfast every day or reducing your clothing choices.
According to her, the brain functions best in the early hours of the day, when cortisol levels are naturally highest. Therefore, she recommends limiting important decisions to just three during this period.
This approach helps avoid what she calls “cognitive fragmentation,” where attention is spread among many small choices.
Why you should avoid making big decisions after 16:00 PM
Dr. Chronister warns that important decisions should not be made at the end of the day, when mental fatigue is highest.
Various studies, including an analysis from the University of Cambridge, have shown that even professionals make poorer decisions when they are tired.
This is related to the fact that in a state of fatigue, people tend to choose the easiest option, not necessarily the best.
Habits that help the brain
According to the psychologist, better management of mental energy is more important than self-will.
She suggests practices like journaling in the evening to reduce stress and clear your mind. Also, activities like saunas can help lower cortisol and put your body into a state of relaxation.
In conclusion, she emphasizes that good decision-making does not depend only on effort, but on managing energy, emotions, and impulses throughout the day. /GazetaExpress/
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