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Decision fatigue and farewell planning

May 7, 2022

I had an "ah-ha" moment last week when a feature about decision fatigue was discussed on TV.  This is when we have to make so many decisions in a day that our ability to make them deteriorates over the course of the day.


The discussion was centred around all the extra decisions we have had to make since Covid arrived on our shores.  As if modern life wasn't already tricky enough we now have to make instant decisions about keeping ourselves and our community safe - what are the latest rules again?  Do I need a mask? Is my sneezing hay fever? Do I need to test?  Is it safe to go to a cafe?


In our business life, we have had a whole new layer of decisions to make, and at times, the fog of confusion has descended on our team as well.


In a way, it was easier under the more prescriptive settings because the rules were clearer.


That brings me to funerals.  We have noticed the general fatigue and confusion about the rules have also affected the families we care for.  Making decisions about arrangements for a loved one who has died, is so much harder when you are exhausted, grieving and perhaps still recovering from a Covid infection.  Trying to plan and organise details that you would normally find easy can feel like an impossible burden.  Grief can make us forgetful and confused.


This is why we encourage as much advanced planning as is manageable for you.  The fewer decisions that you need to make at the time of death, the easier it will be.


Give us a call, or email at office@gillions.co.nz for more information.  We can answer your questions, provide pricing guidelines and send you a free funeral planning pack.


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