Do you have whisker fatigue?
Just kidding! Only cats have whisker fatigue. In humans it's called decision fatigue. Do you have that? I do. I'm not sure you can live in our current society and not have it. Here’s the story, a while ago I saw an article about this condition and then posted the post you see here (with my ever-entertaining boy Elroy as the star). My genuine reaction to this headline was "one more thing to add to the list of worries" (insert audible sigh here). Cut to months later and I saw an article headline that said "How to tell if you have decision fatigue." Not only did I respond: "I don't need to read the article, I already know I have that!", but it reminded me of the attached post and that it was time to revisit the idea. Stick with me and it will all make sense.
My Boy Elroy - Unfortunately passed away too young. He was a wonderful gift! PS I’ve asked him to come back to me in physical form someday…apparently you can do that!
Animals, such as cats, who use their whiskers to gather vital information about the world around them for their survival, have whiskers that are so sensitive that when their whiskers repeatedly touch a surface it can cause sensory overload and cause them stress. How does this relate to decision fatigue? We humans are inundated with information every minute of every day, unless we choose to "unplug". This constant bombardment is more information than is necessary to live our daily lives. This is the equivalent of an animal's whiskers being touched repeatedly, becoming overwhelmed, their understanding of their environment being compromised, and finally, anxiety forms about their ability to survive. Sound familiar?
Many of us are lucky enough not to have to worry about basic survival, but the more decisions we have to make, the more overwhelming it is, ultimately impairing our ability to make any decision. Let's face it, we live in a complicated society, and this type of mental fatigue will affect everything if we allow it to build up. Believe it or not, even if we don't want to admit it, we do have a choice here. And this is yet ANOTHER decision to be made: How to release the effects of decision fatigue? Take a deep breath (or two or three), and spend a few minutes to reflect on what you do to help with the overwhelm. This is not going to be another blog that gives you a list of self care suggestions that you already know. I will, however, remind you that there are many ways out there to assist in achieving a more peaceful, gentler state of mind. Most (or all) have to do with regulating the nervous system. How you achieve this is really up to you, but I suggest that if you can't think of any strategies, don't be afraid to ask your support system what they do to help with the overwhelm of life. And, yes I said ask your support system! Searching on your favorite platform is at least a start, but your nervous system will thank you for reaching out to an actual human.
And, if you don't have a support system, (what I like to call your Pit Crew), run, don't walk and start building one now!
I can’t say this enough: YOU NEED A SUPPORT SYSTEM! This is not just a cliche saying, there is real evidence that we as a species survived the last ice age because of community and our willingness to share. Other humanoid species died out because of their propensity for isolation, (Humankind, Rutger Bergman). We didn’t because we like to share. We like to help. We want to be there for our fellow humans. Don’t believe those who would have you believe that your neighbor is the enemy. The evidence Bergman presents is clear, humans ARE kind beings. And, if you think you are bothering someone, trust that they will let you know that they can’t help at this time and move on to the next friend. This is not a slight against you, it is that they might be in a similar situation, and why we need a crew of support. As we move into the winter season, the season where we all go inward (this is a normal cycle of the year and should not be viewed as a problem) and we still need to remember to reach out when needed.
For those of you who are truly unable to reach out to others, who are triggered by just the idea and are in need of a change in your current situation, or who are tired of being in a state of unease, depression or despondency. click on the link below to find out more about my Reclaiming Connection Group. Let’s talk about how this group can assist in releasing the emotional triggers and pain to live a freer life.
In Peace & Joy,
Heather Alyson, Equine Gestaltist, MA, MSc, CVO (Chief Vibes Officer)
PS Stay tuned for my next blog: “I remember there’s cake in the refrigerator!”
PPS The loss of a pet can cause immeasurable grief, reach out for information on how.