Buzz
A few months back, we might have casually met friends for brunch, grabbed a gallon of milk from the store, and visited our grandparents without hesitation.
Then the pandemic hit. Concerns about community transmission, limited testing, and the strain on hospital resources for critically ill patients emerged. We grew anxious about the safety of our vulnerable loved ones as confirmed cases and fatalities surged.
With these concerns came endless questions. Is ordering takeout risky? Should I disinfect my groceries? How long can the virus survive on surfaces? Is wearing a mask necessary? Can I safely visit my parents? Is this cough just allergies, or could it be COVID-19?
“The challenge for us is that we must actively search for evidence,” explains Baruch Fischhoff, a Carnegie Mellon University professor specializing in engineering and public policy, who researches decision-making processes. “There’s always the fear that something important has been overlooked.”
Living through a pandemic forces us to navigate countless tough choices, both minor and major. From deciding whether to visit the grocery store, order takeout, or see an ailing family member, everyday actions that once required no thought have transformed into high-stakes dilemmas, often without clear-cut answers.
An overload of decisions leads to emotional and mental exhaustion
“These decisions are genuinely challenging,” Fischhoff notes, emphasizing that it’s natural to find them difficult. “Feeling guilty about it only makes things worse,” he adds.
This increased complexity in decision-making contributes to decision fatigue, which refers to the emotional and mental burden caused by an overwhelming number of choices. Decision fatigue explains why making thoughtful decisions becomes more difficult under stress or exhaustion.
“These decisions are tough because the consequences are often significant, and we’re forced to process unfamiliar and complex information,” Fischhoff explains.
If this feels overwhelming, there are steps you can take to alleviate decision fatigue. Begin by cutting down on minor daily choices, like deciding on dinner or selecting an outfit. Reducing these smaller decisions frees up mental energy for more critical ones.
In the context of this crisis, there are additional measures you can adopt to lessen decision fatigue.
Identify reliable news sources
Misinformation and conspiracy theories are rampant, adding to the exhaustion and confusion. To combat this, Fischhoff suggests relying on a small group of credible experts you can trust.
“The press plays an absolutely crucial role,” he states. He advises pinpointing news outlets with dedicated reporters and editors who prioritize factual accuracy. He also suggests steering clear of the more extreme conspiracy theories often found on social media.
“Your natural inclination is to try to understand these theories, even if they seem absurd,” he remarks, noting that after dissecting a conspiracy theory, “You end up knowing less than before.”
Be kind to yourself
Hindsight offers perfect clarity, making it tempting to revisit past decisions, like not acting sooner. This hindsight bias is something Fischhoff warns against, emphasizing that everyone is doing their best with the limited and ever-changing information available during this crisis.
“Avoid overanalyzing your decisions,” Fischhoff advises. “Do your best and treat yourself with compassion.”
