Is Decision Fatigue Making You Fat?
Studies show that as you navigate through a world of choices, it’s natural that your mental capacity starts to wear down.
As you increase the number of decisions you make throughout the day, the more tired your brain becomes, and it warps your judgment. But, you may not notice when this is happening to you, because when you’re running low on mental energy, your mind isn’t consciously aware of being tired.
Here’s an interesting study reported in the New York Times…
“…Studies show that people with the best self-control are the ones who structure their lives so as to conserve willpower. They don’t schedule endless back-to-back meetings. They avoid temptations like all-you-can-eat buffets, and they establish habits that eliminate the mental effort of making choices. Instead of deciding every morning whether or not to force themselves to exercise, they set up regular appointments to work out with a friend. Instead of counting on willpower to remain robust all day, they conserve it so that it’s available for emergencies and important decisions.”
So, if you like to exercise in the mornings, then set your alarm clock knowing what you’re doing when you wake up in the morning…whether it’s a walk or a yoga routine. Or, if you prefer to workout in the afternoon, then schedule a new class at the gym after work with a friend. This way, you’ve made the decision ahead of time and won’t have to rely on willpower to get moving.
And before you start your workout, don’t forget the importance of a warm-ups. Try this 5-minute gentle and invigorating warm-up video…it’s is like a latte for your mind. A simple warm-up will increase the oxygen in your brain and help you concentrate better, recall information more quickly, and focus more throughout the day.
