
Episode #44
ADHD Decision Fatigue: How to Protect Your Energy
ADHD decision fatigue can turn a simple choice, like what to eat for lunch, into something your brain cannot handle. By 10 a.m., ADHD women have already made thousands of decisions about breakfast, clothes, and email, so their brains can start to shut down by lunchtime. Decision fatigue is not just an end of day problem, it is a constant companion. This episode looks at decision fatigue through the ADHD lens: why it hits sooner and harder, what helps, and how to recognize when you need to stop and rest. In this episode: ➜ Why ADHD brains reach decision-making capacity faster than neurotypical brains (executive function, working memory, perfectionism, and time blindness all play a part) ➜ Practical ways to reduce the number of decisions you make each day, from default options and batching to decision trees and timeboxing ➜ How to recognize your early warning signs of decision fatigue and build a recovery plan for when it hits ─────────── Get weekly ADHD insights delivered to your inbox: Jorie's Substack and Newsletters ─────────── RATE & REVIEW If this episode resonated, please follow the show & leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/adhdand ─────────── ABOUT THE PODCAST ADHD &... with Jorie Houlihan is a podcast for women with ADHD who are tired of trying harder and ready to understand how their brain works. New episodes drop every week. You can also watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joriehoulihan/podcasts ─────────── ABOUT JORIE Hi! I'm Jorie Houlihan and I help women who have ADHD, or suspect they might, understand how ADHD shapes their lives so they can stop blaming themselves, start trusting themselves more, and build a life that works with their brain. OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH JORIE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joriehoulihan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joriehoulihan1/ My Favorite Things! ─────────── This episode originally aired on December 9, 2025. Disclaimer: Jorie Houlihan and the "ADHD &..." podcast are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific health needs. Theme music: Jorie Houlihan + GarageBand






