Ep. 342 - The Doctor Is In Series - How Does Decision Fatigue Affect You?

Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The Doctor Is In Series – where we discuss understandings and developments in the field of psychology. 

In today's episode, Chris and Dr. Abbie discuss decision fatigue—how making too many choices throughout the day drains mental energy and affects judgment. They explain how stress and lack of sleep make it worse, how it differs from burnout, and why leaders and parents are especially vulnerable. The episode also shares simple, practical strategies to reduce daily decisions, protect mental energy, and prioritize recovery. 

[Mar 2, 2026] 

00:00 - Intro 

00:56 - Show Updates and Sponsors 

02:35 - What Decision Fatigue Is 

03:34 - Stress, Sleep, and Mental Energy 

05:12 - Mental vs. Physical Limits 

07:13 - Decision Fatigue vs. Burnout 

10:22 - Leadership, Empathy, and Hard Decisions 

14:33 - Prevention: Routines and Breaks