Have you noticed that when highly stressed even small decisions become difficult? Do not be hard on yourself as this is a normal consequence of stress. When we are stressed the primitive part of our brain may see stress as a threat and activate survival mechanisms, and these mechanisms interfere with cognitive (thinking) ability. What happens is the middle and lower brain reacts quickly to threats and prepares you to fight, flee, freeze or collapse. To do this effectively it shuts down the upper brain which is responsible for cognition. Making good decisions are deemed of less importance than basic survival.

So what can you do if you are stressed and are having difficulty making decisions? If you can, avoid making a decision until things have calmed down. De-stress by saving 30 minutes a day to exercise, read, meditate, or watch television. Seek guidance: get a second opinion by someone who is calm.