Pandemic Decision Fatigue

We didn't think we'd get stuck here again, but here we are, in Pandemic: Omicron Edition.

We're finding this round particularly exhausting because any semblance of consistency in guidance, advice, or predictions is long gone. And yet we're still the decision makers for our families, the ones everyone looks to for the answers, the plans, the "what's for dinner," the "can Eliza come over?"

In other words, we're struggling with pandemic decision fatigue. In a recent study by the American Psychological Association, 47% of parents reported being so stressed about the pandemic that they struggle to make basic decisions like what to wear and what to eat.

In this episode, we have an honest discussion of how "analysis paralysis" has been playing out in our lives lately, and why "the decision that makes you feel calmest" might be the best touchstone for these times (hat tip to psychotherapist Josh Jonas).

Here are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:

American Psychological Association: Stress and decision-making during the pandemic

Alexandra Frost for Washington Post: Why you just can’t choose: Parenting through pandemic decision fatigue

Ronda Kaysen for NYT: Another Covid Winter, but Our Quarantine Comforts No Longer Work

Jenny Lemmons Magic on Facebook: "Decision fatigue" will be how I remember this season of my life.

and here's the "You're soaking in it!" Palmolive ad- with MADGE! (Amy said it was Marge, whoops)

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