In my household, we rely on a single-serve coffee maker that uses those small pods. While they’re not environmentally friendly and come with a host of other drawbacks, we can’t seem to agree on a different type of coffee maker. Consequently, we stick with our current choice, too mentally fatigued to make a decision on an alternative. Each morning, we press the button and appreciate the simplicity of coffee without the burden of deliberation.
Just recently, I experienced this exhaustion firsthand while attempting to brew my morning coffee. All it demanded was the simple act of pushing a button—something even a monkey could manage. Yet, I failed to place my cup correctly beneath the spout. Instead, coffee spilled everywhere except into the mug that was meant to receive it. In that moment, it struck me; I am utterly fatigued.
For years, I have pointed fingers at my young children for my weariness. Sleepless nights, early risers, and tiny feet in my ribs have certainly contributed to my physical exhaustion. However, there’s a different layer of fatigue that I’ve only recently begun to understand: mental exhaustion stemming from what experts term “decision fatigue.”
According to a recent article in Elite Daily, decision fatigue refers to the decline in our ability to make decisions after a long day of making choices. It’s not just significant decisions that drain us; the sheer number of trivial ones can be overwhelming. I find myself short-circuiting, unable to remember the name of the device from which the coffee pours.
The article also highlights how prominent leaders, like President Smith, opt for a uniform to avoid wasting mental energy on insignificant choices. This strategy resonates with me. If I can’t summon the cognitive energy to decide on a coffee maker, how will I manage the more significant responsibilities of motherhood? I worry that this daily barrage of small decisions drains my strength to engage in the important nurturing tasks that define my role as a parent—teaching kindness and preparing my children for their own decision-making journeys.
Most mornings commence with a cacophony of demands:
- 5:59 AM: “Can I play video games?”
- 6:02 AM: A baby cries. What does she need?
- 6:03 AM: “Mommy, where are my toys?”
- 6:12 AM: “Can I play video games?”
- And the questions go on…
In that first hour of wakefulness, I am tasked with making decisions for four individuals every few minutes. This leaves scant time for basic necessities like using the bathroom or even turning on the coffee maker, all while contemplating the existential crisis of why the video game isn’t functioning.
As I mop up the coffee that has dripped everywhere but my mug, I realize I am fatigued for reasons that seem trivial. I ponder my “mommy uniform”—a simple choice designed to reduce decision-making. Yet, beyond the simplicity of clothing, I need to be resilient. I must teach my children about navigating choices and filtering life’s noise to determine what truly matters. My objective is not to make choices for them but to empower them to make their own.
With this realization, I make my most significant decision of the day: to love them enough to guide them through their own challenges. While I don’t know where their pajamas are or the solution to their video game woes, I encourage them to make their own decisions, even about snacks.
As we approach the festive season, like Chanukah, I cherish the moments spent making latkes and memories. I’ve preserved enough energy for that.
For those interested in navigating the complexities of parenthood, including the process of home insemination, consider exploring resources such as this informative article or this guide from experts in the field. Additionally, for comprehensive information about pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC’s website.
Summary
Motherhood often leads to decision fatigue, where the mental strain of making countless small choices can overshadow the joy of parenting. This article discusses the overwhelming nature of daily demands and how to navigate them while empowering children to make their own choices.