Just what is “decision fatigue” and how might it stop your RV adventure? Let’s find out!
Not a new phenomenon
I was surprised to learn that decision fatigue is a psychological term that’s been in use since 2011—and there’s a very good chance this phenomenon occurred well before a name was even assigned to it. So, what is it?
Psychologists define the term “decision fatigue” as a phenomenon rather than a diagnosable medical condition. Decision fatigue can happen when the more decisions a person makes over the course of a day, the more physically, mentally and emotionally depleted they become. In simple terms, you feel worn out because you’ve had to make so many decisions. Not only will decision fatigue physically, emotionally, and mentally tire you, the quality of your decisions may deteriorate, as well.
How RVing can trigger decision fatigue
Route planning: RV travel often requires meticulous planning. Deciding on routes, overnight stops, and destinations can be mentally taxing. The constant need to make decisions about which roads to take, where to park for the night, and what attractions to visit can lead to decision fatigue over time.
Meal planning: Cooking in an RV can be an enjoyable part of the adventure, but it also involves making daily meal choices. From grocery shopping to preparing meals with limited space and resources, the decisions can pile up, leaving you drained.
Campsite selection: Choosing the perfect campsite is part of the RV experience. With several options available (e.g., boondocking, local/state/national parks, RV resorts, Cracker Barrel, etc.), selecting the right spot with the amenities you want can seem overwhelming. Decision fatigue can set in, making the process much less enjoyable.
Activity planning: RV travel often involves exploring new areas and engaging in various activities. Trying to decide what to do each day can become exhausting, especially if you feel compelled to make the most of every moment.
Consequences of decision fatigue in RVing
Reduced enjoyment: Decision fatigue can diminish your overall RV travel experience. What should be a relaxing adventure may start to feel more like a chore.
Safety concerns: Fatigue can impair your judgment and reaction time, potentially compromising safety while driving an RV. Making rash decisions when tired or feeling overwhelmed can even cause accidents.
Relationship strain: The stress of constant decision-making can strain relationships, as disagreements about plans and choices may become more frequent.
Overcoming decision fatigue
Be flexible: While planning is essential, allow for flexibility in your RV journey. Avoid overloading your schedule with activities and leave room for spontaneous adventures.
Prioritize decisions: Focus your mental energy on critical decisions and simplify less important ones. For instance, use meal planning apps or premade meal kits to streamline food choices.
Delegate decision-making: If you’re traveling with others, distribute decision-making responsibilities. Share the planning process and take turns choosing activities and destinations.
Use technology: Leverage technology to help you make decisions. For example, GPS navigation apps can help with route planning and campground review websites can assist in selecting campsites.
Take regular breaks: Incorporate breaks into your travel routine to recharge your mental faculties. Short walks or simply taking a moment to really breathe can be refreshing.
Limit options: Simplify your choices by narrowing down options. For example, choose a limited number of potential campsites in advance to reduce decision fatigue during the trip. If you’re planning well in advance, limit your campground options to two or three so that you can more easily make choices.
Understand and combat decision fatigue
RVing can mean adventure, freedom, and unforgettable experiences. However, decision fatigue can cast a shadow on these joys if it’s not recognized and managed. By understanding the sources of decision fatigue and implementing strategies to combat it, you can ensure that your RV journey remains an enjoyable and stress-free adventure.
Have you or your travel buddy ever experienced decision fatigue while RVing? Tell me about it in the comments below.
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Don’t forget about analysis paralysis for the bigger decisions. It is possible to analyze a situation too much to stop you from making a decision, i.e what rig to buy.
I so agree with you on this (what rig to buy). We are just starting our research to begin our RV journey in 2024. We are doing research on what rig to buy and it becomes overwhelming. So many opinions on what to, or not to, buy. What brands, chassis, motors, transmissions, etc. I have to “walk away” from the research as I feel my brain is going to explode.
I never thought about this but so so true and helpful for somebody like me in the middle of planning a big trip and rehabbing our house. My husband is doing 90% of the work but I am doing all the running around and spending hours in research. I’m the tired one. He’s the one looking at me saying “W*F you have been on the computer all day.”
DW suffers from that every time she goes shopping, do I want this one or that one?
Decision fatigue? Flip a coin. Roll the dice. Some decisions don’t really matter in the long run so why dedicate time and gray matter. Take a chance.
After 40 years of high stress corporate jobs, most RVing decisions are so far off the scale of “unimportant” I don’t get worked up over them.
A book I once read had a simple answer. When making a choice think: “What’s the worst that could happen?” Usually “the worst” is, at most, a minor and temporary issue and not anything to worry about.
Although the impact of my RV decisions are not as profound as the ones I made at work, they’re numerous, impactful and will make life even tougher if abdicated.
My best advice is avoid traveling more then 5 hours without stopping. If you prefer to drive longer than that, become a trucker. Avoid setting up camp after 5:00 p.m. as darkness plus fatigue equal disaster. Lastly, try to stay at least 5 days before relocating. Frequent movement of the RV is not only costly but physically and logistically demanding. 5 days let’s you recharge before stuffing your face into Google Maps, Gas Buddy, Campendium, All Stays, RV Life, Recreation.gov, etc…..
Our approach is similar. We don’t travel more than 200 miles a day. We try to move only once every two weeks, and we’re usually successful in achieving that goal. We only plan two weeks ahead. When we’re on the move towards a destination, such as visiting grandchildren, we spend at least two nights between travel days. We’re in our third year of full-time life. Even with this slow living approach we’ve meandered throughout much of the country and have enjoyed the unplanned serendipitous experiences.
The only things that stress me out are…Where am I staying tomorrow night (3 day weekends are the worst), and where am I getting gas.
The rest is a breeze.
I left the decision fatigue work life BEHIND when I retired and started RVing more. No more decision fatigue! I always know where I will eat and sleep and pee. What else is there to decide?
Where to park!
Good one; thank you, Gail! DW had an often consuming work career with lots of decisions to make daily. She came home craving food, no conversation, and mindless distraction. In retirement she monitors her parents’ doctor visits and prescriptions, and plans RV trips. I can now put a term to describe her unwillingness to think about some things at some times. I will try to undertake some of our planning. 🙂
Yes! We have been on the road for 3 months now after an extended break. I have started to notice I am tired all the time, get confused easily and everything else you mentioned. A sickness in the family has required that we beeline it across country, stopping for one night only then travel. Will now be more cognizant of this and go back to the 2,2,2 schedule.