Managing decision-making fatigue with my ‘two drawers’ method
With ALS, I must focus my mind and make deliberate decisions
I’m always on the lookout for strategies to help my day-to-day life with ALS go more smoothly. Recently, I found a surprising spark of inspiration in a junk drawer in the kitchen. It wasn’t something hiding inside the drawer that helped; instead, it was my frustrating encounter with the mess itself that prompted a shift in how I approach my daily habits.
It began over the holiday break. I decided to tackle the chaos of that drawer — a grand decluttering project I hoped to point to with pride. But after only five minutes of staring at the collection of homeless items, I shut the drawer in defeat. My brain felt instantly overwhelmed, paralyzed by not knowing where to start or how to categorize the clutter.
I had reached a state of decision-making fatigue. This mental exhaustion comes from making too many choices and often leads to avoidance, irritability, low motivation, and brain fog. While decision-making fatigue can happen to anyone, living with ALS has made me especially vulnerable to it.
The magic drawer
Standing there in the kitchen, I turned my attention to the drawer next to it — the one where we keep our knives, forks, and spoons. Every piece of cutlery has its own designated home within a tray with special dividers. Finding a fork or putting one away is an effortless task.
I realized then that my life is now a constant negotiation between these two drawers. Before ALS, I was able to manage multiple tasks effectively. Handling interruptions and changing plans were easy-peasy. Some days were as messy as a junk drawer, but I navigated them just fine.
Now, more than ever, I must focus my mind and make deliberate decisions. I have to pay constant attention to how I move. Some days I am in manual mode, consciously directing every limb. Other days, I’m on high alert, noticing every twitch or stumble and wondering if it signals a decline. Because my body simply needs more time to move, eat, and speak than those around me, every choice carries more weight.
Simplifying in real life
That kitchen revelation confirmed that I’ve been on the right path by trying to simplify. For example, I recently cleared out my closet. I didn’t just donate clothes I didn’t wear; I also eliminated anything with fussy buttons, zippers, or closures. My wardrobe is now filled with loose-fitting, pull-on shirts and elastic-waist pants — everything that passed my “light and easy” test.
I’ve even simplified my breakfast with a fruit smoothie and a big mug of coffee. I’ve had the same thing for 10 years. It removes one more choice for both my husband and me, making our mornings run smoothly.
Fewer decisions equal smoother days
I am certainly not a perfect example of an organized life, but I am making progress. The “silverware drawer” mindset has taught me to recognize “junk drawer episodes” before they overwhelm me. By eliminating micro-decisions — much like assigning every spoon a designated place — my body feels less tense, and my mind has more bandwidth for thinking rather than just making decisions.
That’s the reality of ALS: There are constant reasons to feel defeated. But finding small strategies to reclaim my mental energy makes the journey feel a little more manageable. I hope you’ll give this a try in your own routine.
What “junk drawer” in your life could use a little more order? Please share in the comments below.
Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.
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