Decision Fatigue

Overcoming Decision Fatigue: A Holistic Approach from a Single Parent’s Perspective

As a single parent, the daily juggle can feel like a never-ending cycle of decision-making. From deciding what to cook for dinner, to managing school schedules, to navigating work-life balance—it’s all part of the reality. But for me, something that often got overlooked in the rush of day-to-day life was the toll that decision fatigue was taking on my mental and emotional well-being.

For years, I found myself going through the motions of making decision after decision, not even realizing how drained I was. I was a tired single mom with three kids, constantly asking myself: What should I prioritize today? Should I work extra hours to cover bills, or stay home and focus on family? What can I do to keep everyone happy and healthy? By the time the evening rolled around, I was exhausted, not just physically, but mentally.

What is Decision Fatigue?

In a nutshell, decision fatigue happens when the brain becomes overwhelmed by the constant need to make choices. The more decisions you have to make, the less energy and mental clarity you have for each one, which can lead to poor choices, procrastination, or feeling burnt out. It’s like a battery that runs low after hours of use—it just doesn’t have much power left.

For a while, I didn’t even realize I was suffering from it. I just thought I was tired. But then I started noticing patterns. I’d skip meals or make quick, unhealthy choices, just to avoid having to think about what to eat. I’d default to the same routines, even when they weren’t serving me well, simply because it felt easier than having to decide something new. I felt stuck.

Holistic Approaches That Helped Me Cope

Finding holistic ways to cope with decision fatigue wasn’t an overnight transformation for me—it took time and patience. But I’m so grateful for the practices that helped me regain clarity and peace, especially as a single parent with a million things on my plate. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Mindful Moments

As a parent, the noise of daily life can feel relentless, but I found that even a few minutes of mindfulness can reset my brain. I began scheduling short, intentional breaks throughout the day—just a few minutes of breathing deeply, sitting in silence, or focusing on a simple task. It wasn’t about meditating for an hour (though that’s helpful too), but taking small moments to pause, reset, and gather my thoughts. It made a huge difference in reducing the mental clutter.

2. Prioritizing Self-Care

As a single parent, I felt like my self-care was always at the bottom of the list, but once I realized how much decision fatigue was draining me, I started making it a priority. This didn’t mean taking a whole day off (which felt impossible), but it was about little things like taking a warm bath, reading a few pages of a book, or even having a cup of herbal tea in silence. Small acts of care helped me reconnect with myself and restore energy to tackle the big decisions with a clearer mind.

3. Routine and Simplicity

I found comfort in simplifying my decisions wherever possible. A regular routine helped reduce the number of choices I had to make each day. This could be as simple as meal planning, having set times for self-care, or establishing consistent bedtime rituals for the kids. When I knew exactly what I was doing at a specific time, it freed up space in my mind for other, more important decisions.

For example, meal prep became a lifesaver. Instead of deciding what to cook every evening, I started planning meals for the week and prepping them ahead of time. The result? One less decision each day, and I felt more organized and less overwhelmed.

4. Energy Healing Practices

I had heard of energy healing in passing, but it wasn’t until I was deep in the trenches of decision fatigue that I decided to try it for myself. Reiki and energy healing became tools I turned to when I needed to clear mental blockages. It helped me feel lighter, recharged, and ready to approach decisions with a calm mindset. Having someone guide me through energy work (or practicing on my own with intention) allowed me to release stagnant energy, reconnect with myself, and make clearer, more thoughtful decisions.

5. Delegate and Ask for Help

This is a big one for me. As a single parent, I often felt like I had to do everything on my own, but that just isn’t sustainable. I began learning to delegate tasks and ask for help—whether it was having my kids take on simple chores or reaching out to friends for support. Recognizing that I didn’t have to handle everything alone was empowering, and it gave me the space to breathe.

6. Energy-Cleansing Tools

When my mind was overstuffed, I turned to crystals, essential oils, and smudging rituals to help clear negative energy. These practices helped me reset my mental space, especially when I felt bogged down by too many decisions. Using calming scents like lavender or sandalwood, or carrying grounding stones like hematite or amethyst, reminded me to slow down and focus on what really mattered.

7. Limiting My Choices

I learned to be mindful of how many choices I allowed myself to make in a day. One method that worked well was setting boundaries on certain aspects of my life. For example, instead of scrolling endlessly on social media, I set time limits on my phone to avoid decision overload. The fewer decisions I made about things that didn’t truly matter, the more mental energy I had for the things that did.

Final Thoughts

Decision fatigue isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real struggle that many of us face, especially when we have a lot of responsibilities. But by embracing holistic practices like mindfulness, self-care, and energy healing, I’ve found ways to cope and regain balance.

As a single parent, the demands of life may never fully ease, but with the right tools and a shift in mindset, I’ve learned to handle the decisions that come my way with more grace and confidence. If you’re facing similar challenges, I encourage you to explore these practices and find what works for you. Taking care of your mind, body, and spirit isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

You deserve peace, and it starts with the choices you make for your well-being.