7 Hacks for simplifying choices

By Kristina Benoist

Decision fatigue isn’t just about having too many choices — it’s pretty closely tied to your mental health. Conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or burnout can sap your brain’s energy for decision-making, leaving you overwhelmed by even simple choices. When your mental resources are stretched thin, your brain struggles to prioritize, plan, and decide, making everyday tasks feel monumental.

The good news? You can simplify your choices and reclaim some mental clarity with these easy-to-use hacks:

Automate what you can

OUTFIT PLANNING

Create a “uniform” you love—a go-to combo like black leggings and a cozy sweater — so you don’t have to think about it.

MEAL SIMPLICITY

Rotate a few favorite meals weekly. Breakfast? Always oatmeal or toast. Lunch? Sandwich or leftovers. Decisions made.

Set rules for yourself

ONE-CHOICE RULE

At restaurants, pick the first thing that looks good and don’t second-guess.

SET “DEFAULT OPTIONS”

Always say “yes” to the first coffee shop suggestion or take the same walking route.

Use timers

Give yourself 30 seconds to decide. Overthinking can drain energy. Trust your gut, hit the timer, and move on.

Declutter decisions

Organize your space so that frequently used items (like your keys or snacks) are in the same spot. It cuts down on those “where did I put that?” moments. So that covers decluttering your physical space, but what about decluttering your mind? Unfollow social media accounts or subscriptions that add noise to your mental space.

Let other people help

Don’t be afraid to ask, “What do you think I should do?” Letting someone you love and trust help you choose something can take the pressure off you for at least one decision you make in your day.

Overcoming decision fatigue