Pandemic Decision Fatigue
We didn't think we'd get stuck here again, but here we are, in Pandemic: Omicron Edition.\nWe're finding this round particularly exhausting because any semblance of consistency in guidance, advice, or predictions is long gone.\xa0And 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?"\nIn 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.\nIn 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).\n\nHere are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode: \nAmerican Psychological Association: Stress and decision-making during the pandemic\nAlexandra Frost for Washington Post: Why you just can\u2019t choose: Parenting through pandemic decision fatigue\nRonda Kaysen for NYT: Another Covid Winter, but Our Quarantine Comforts No Longer Work\nJenny Lemmons Magic on Facebook: "Decision fatigue" will be how I remember this season of my life.\nand here's the "You're soaking in it!" Palmolive ad- with MADGE! (Amy said it was Marge, whoops)\n\nSpecial thanks to our sponsors for this month:\xa0\nAthletic Greens supports your sleep quality, energy, immune system and more with just one scoop per day. Get a free one-year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/laughing.\nBeam makes products for sleep, calm, focus, and recovery. Get $20 off any purchase over $75 at beamorganics.com/FRESH, or just type in the code "FRESH" at checkout. \nBetabrand has reinvented comfort and style with their Dress Yoga Pants, and we love ours! Get 30% off your first order when you go to Betabrand.com/LAUGHING.\nBetterhelp Start taking charge of your mental health\u2013 no matter where you live! Go to\xa0betterhelp.com/fresh\xa0to get 10% off your first month of counseling.\nFlowkey lets you learn piano at your own pace. Go to flowkey.com/whatfreshhell to receive 7 days of Flowkey Premium for free and 20% off the first year of an annual subscription.\xa0\nIndeed is the only job site where you're guaranteed to find applicants that meet your requirements-- or you don't pay!\xa0Upgrade your job post with a $75 sponsored job credit through 3/31/22 at indeed.com/laughing.\nKiwiCo\xa0projects make science, technology, engineering, art, and math super fun. Get 50% off your first month at\xa0kiwico.com\xa0with the code\xa0MOTHERHOOD.\nMembrasin\xa0is the totally natural, estrogen-free, clinically-proven feminine moisture formula. Go to\xa0membrasinlife.com\xa0to find out more and use the code FRESH10 to get 10% off.\nOnce Upon a Farm fruit and vegetable blends are made with whole, organic, farm-fresh ingredients . Go to onceuponafarmorganics.com and use the code FRESH25 for 25% off your first order.\nProse\xa0now makes supplements personally tailored to address your specific cause of hair shedding. Get 15% off your custom hair supplements at\xa0prose.com/laughing.\xa0\nSchool Toolbox makes shopping for school supplies for your kids easier\u2013 and also creates fundraising opportunities for your school! Find out more at schooltoolbox.com/whatfreshhell.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices