Takeout or home cooking? Trip to the cinema or new Netflix series? Pantsuit or chic skirt? These seem like simple decisions to make, but can still feel overwhelming in the moment.
If you don't characterise yourself as indecisive on a typical day, you might be instead suffering from decision fatigue. The phrase has been discussed in therapy and psychology circles for a few decades, but it is increasingly permeating everyday speech.
“I've known it's a thing for a while, even though I didn't put a name to it,” says Natasha Hatherall, founder and chief executive of TishTash PR. “Only recently have I heard this term being used a lot, mostly by fellow entrepreneurs.”
Anisha Oberoi, founder and chief executive of clean beauty platform Secret Skin, adds: “I felt it before I had heard of it officially, back when I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2020.”
Likewise for nurse Lizzie Dymott. While the phrase was unfamiliar until recently, the sensation is one she recognised. “As soon as I heard of decision fatigue, I thought: 'Oh yeh, that's the mental load I experience, especially as a mum.'”
To understand more about this seemingly on-the-rise phenomenon, The National uncovers what it is, how to recognise it and helpful steps to take.
Deciding on a definition
Put simply, “decision fatigue is a consequence of making too many decisions”, says Elif Celebi Adam, a psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai. Indecisiveness, meanwhile, is the inability to decide and commit to a choice.
The phrase first popped up in a 1998 paper by social psychologist Roy F Baumeister, who claimed decision fatigue as an offshoot of ego depletion, the Freudian theory concerning how general tiredness impacts our willpower.
In the two and a half decades since, it has trickled into colloquial speech, but still lacks a formal definition, notes executive and team coach Silvia Bottini. “It took time before people could research and define it; I think it's contextual and depends on the person.”
More products, services, even more foods in the grocery store are available, and this is rhythmed by technology
Elif Celebi Adam,
psychologist, Thrive Wellbeing Centre
As it's still not classified as a syndrome or a disorder, there isn't a rule book, diagnosis process or list of medically verified symptoms that are easy to identify. It's more something, as Bottini explains, that she can spot in her clients. “I notice that some of my clients are less responsive, passive. I would describe them as having a low level of energy.”
Or, as Hatherall details, there are signs you can recognise in yourself. “It's not as simple as not being able to make decisions when you're that overloaded and tired: it is literally impossible as you can't see the wood for the trees, as they say.”
Adam adds: “If you feel that you are handling a lot on an everyday basis, are always problem-solving, and have to make decisions for others around you in addition to yourself, this may be it.”
Why does choice-making fatigue set in?
“Decision fatigue refers to the decline in the quality of decision-making experienced by an individual after a prolonged period of making choices,” explains Sarmistha Mitra, a holistic health expert and founder and chief executive of The Wellbeing Sanctuary in Dubai.
“The prefrontal cortex [the part of the brain responsible for rationalising] can get tired and, when this happens, we are not able to rationalise and think accurately,” says Bottini, referring to why we're told multitasking can actually be counterproductive, as there is a limit to the amount of information we can absorb, let alone rationally respond to.
For Hathwall and Oberoi, decision fatigue set in when they took on extra responsibility. “When I started my business, I used to think the bigger it got, the easier it would get,” Hatherall says. “I was so naive. Ultimately, the final decision comes back to you as the CEO. Some days, there is definitely too much decision-making to do, and I just can't.” Oberoi adds: “The multitude of small decisions day to day is exhausting … I found myself delaying decisions.”
For Dymott, it became more of an issue as she embarked on single-parenthood. “Not having that other person you can bounce ideas off is really hard. Day-to-day, it's all down to me, and that's overwhelming. In a couple, one person often leads in one genre of decision-making, such as financial or social. But now, there is always something to be done, and I feel the mental load.”
While it can be experienced by anyone, those with busy work and personal lives, especially with others – employees, children, parents – to look after, may recognise decision fatigue. “Modern life is generally more complex. More products, services, even more foods in the grocery store are available … and this is rhythmed by so many technologies and distractions,” says Adam.
But as Bottini acknowledges: “It is supported by research that people who have ADHD may suffer from decision fatigue, more often than people who are neurotypical.”
With multiple studies showing that the average adult makes an estimated 35,000 decisions per day, it's no surprise that the process becomes tiring. But is indecisiveness over tonight's dinner really that bad?
On the road to burnout
In some instances, the impact can be harmless. But if it persists, a chain of poorly considered decisions has a knock-on effect.
Sitting within Freud's wider (and sometimes controversial) theory of ego depletion, exhausting a limited pool of mental resources can be detrimental to personal willpower; for example, defaulting to a processed takeout meal rather than sticking to a healthier meal plan.
Prioritise making important decisions when resources are at their peak, and delegate decision-making responsibilities
Sarmistha Mitra,
founder, The Wellbeing Sanctuary
“The negative impacts of decision fatigue include poor decision-making, which can lead to adverse consequences in both personal and professional life,” explains Mitra.
More generally, decision fatigue is also a sign that we're overdoing it in every aspect of our lives – it can be our mind's way of asking for a timeout. For Dynott, she feels “overwhelmed and overstimulated” by constant decisions as a busy nurse and mum, while Oberoi notes delaying vital real-life decisions due to it.
“It plays a lot into burnout, which we're talking about a lot too as we're all so tired and overloaded all the time, and there are consequences to this,” says Hatherall.
“People may feel constantly burnt out, exhausted and even depressed,” says Adam. “Other impacts include poor self-regulation, so being easily irritable, and cognitive impairments, so you often forget things or miss online meetings.”
Ways to ease the load
As a potential solution, Dymott relies on list-making and phone notes, alongside meal-planning when she can to keep her head above water. Hatherall, meanwhile, has focused on delegating and empowering others to be key decision-makers, too. Oberori says when she recognises the cycle, she ensures to make time to reflect and research before giving any decision the go-ahead.
Another famous entrepreneur, Steve Jobs famously only wore a black jumper and jeans, eliminating at least one decision from his morning routine.
But what do the experts recommend? “Simplifying choices by authorising routine or creating habits can reduce the number of decisions that need to be made daily,” is Mitra's advice. “Also, prioritise making important decisions when resources are at their peak, and delegate decision-making responsibilities.”
If coping strategies don't heed results, it could be time to seek professional help as it “may be the product of other underlying issues such as depression and anxiety”, says Adam.
A relaxing activity that doesn't involve decision-making can be key, says Bottini, especially when you feel exhausted. “We are not designed to be robots, to be able to perform and work constantly. We understand this quite easily when it comes to the body. Like athletes, we also need to pause, to sleep, to rest.”
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
MATCH INFO
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
UAE v Oman - abandoned
Oman v Namibia - abandoned
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
The team
Videographer: Jear Velasquez
Photography: Romeo Perez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG
Video assistant: Zanong Maget
Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
Army of the Dead
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera
Three stars
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
