When it comes to the care for our elderly parents and family members, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Should they move in with me? Should they live in an assisted living community? Is an assisted living facility the right choice for them? Will they need a storage unit if they do move? Where can I find them an occupational therapist? The list goes on…
The entire process of downsizing and relocating your parent or loved one can be overwhelming and, quite frankly, draining. It is pretty common to experience these feelings. It’s called decision fatigue.
What is Decision Fatigue?
Decision fatigue occurs after you have to make a lot of choices within a certain period of time. Have you ever noticed that after a long and tiring day at work, you often don’t want to decide what to have for dinner? Or perhaps, you have found yourself in a situation wherein you let your impulses take the lead since you are too exhausted to make yet another decision. Generally, the hustle and bustle of our daily responsibilities can potentially take a toll on the quality of the choices you make when you’ve lost all your energy to the previous decisions of the day.
Unfortunately, decision fatigue can adversely affect your ability to make the right decision for your elderly relative. Naturally, no one wants their productivity to be hindered by poor decision making. That’s why it’s important to keep your head in the game by combatting the symptoms of decision fatigue. Don’t fret if the frustration creeps up once in a while, because there are multiple ways to break free from decision fatigue.
Read through this quick guide to find the most effective ways to power through the symptoms of decision fatigue. With these tips, you can make healthier decisions all day long.
Tip #1: Take a Step Back from the Mayhem
Since most of us are always so busy with our daily responsibilities, taking a break may be difficult. Although most people would agree that it can be quite a challenge to peel yourself off your work when there’s so much to check off our to-do list—especially if there are other pressing matters in your life such as having to move your elderly parent.
It is of the utmost importance that we put everything down for a minute and focus on ourselves. When we take a step back and allow our minds to breathe, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to release all the stress and recharge. We can do this by doing something that brings us peace, such as reading a book, taking a day off to just lay in bed and watch movies, go to the gym, or even just talk to our favourite person for a boost of energy.
If you allow calmness to wash over you, we can guarantee that your emotional health and decisions will improve exponentially.
Tip #2: Divide Your Work Into Groups
Create a schedule for yourself that allows you to clearly see which tasks need to be completed. By dividing your work into groups, you will give yourself the opportunity to focus on one element of your to-do list before moving onto the next. Identify which tasks are the most important and rank them in order of priority.
Tip #3: Make the Bigger Decisions in the Morning or On Your Days Off
According to science, people tend to make more careful decisions at the start of the day. You know how some of us say “I’ll sleep on it”? It actually helps to sleep on a big decision and make your choice the next morning. By the afternoon or evening, people have already been immersed in countless decisions and external stressors that big decisions run the risk of being tainted by impulses brought about by pressure.
Make your big decisions during times that you are calm, because it puts things into a better perspective, and that will make all the difference.
Still Feeling Overwhelmed With the Decisions Your Have to Make?
At Your Next Steps, we provide leading retirement living consultation services. We understand that having to make these types of decisions for your elderly relatives can be overwhelming and scary. From years of experience, we understand exactly what needs to be done in order to ensure your loved one receives the care that they need.
Let us help you combat decision fatigue and contact us today!
