7. The Mental Load of Managing a Home: Is It Really Decision Overload? with Michelle O'Brien

Decision fatigue doesn’t just show up in boardrooms or esports arenas—it starts in your living room. In this eye-opening episode of Decisions That Count, Dr. Shawn Watson and co-host Michelle O’Brien (content leader, mum of two, and alcohol-free creator) unpack the hidden mental load of running a household—and how it disproportionately impacts women and primary caregivers.

We explore how the endless stream of small, often unseen decisions—from planning school lunches to remembering birthday gifts—can lead to burnout, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue. Michelle shares real-world strategies she uses to reduce cognitive load, plan smarter, and communicate more effectively with her partner.

Whether you're a parent, a professional, or both, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched thin and constantly “on.”

👉 Key takeaways include:

• The difference between mental fatigue and decision fatigue

• How the mental load affects family dynamics and emotional health

• Practical strategies to manage household decisions

• Why communication and awareness are essential tools for balance

• Systems and routines that actually lighten the load

🧠 If you’ve ever asked “Why am I so tired—evenwhen I haven’t done that much?”, this episode is for you.

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📢 Leave a comment to share your experience withthe mental load—we’d love to hear how you’re managing it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01.20 Understanding the Mental Load

06:04 Defining Decision Fatigue

11:55 Emotional Impact of Decision Fatigue

17:58 Strategies to Manage Decision Fatigue

23:51 Understanding Decision Fatigue

30:10 Strategies to Combat Decision Fatigue

40:42 The Consequences of Ignoring Decision Fatigue

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🎧 Listen & Follow:
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