The Netflix Trap: Why “Just One More Episode” Is Draining Your Energy

Ever feel like your brain is completely fried by the end of the day?

You’ve spent all day making decisions like what to wear, what to feed the kids, how to tackle your never ending to-do list and by the time evening rolls around, even choosing a show to watch feels overwhelming.

I see you flicking through Netflix trailers or scrolling mindlessly on social media, only to crawl into bed at midnight, wondering how you wasted another night staring at a screen.

That’s decision fatigue.

And it’s real.

We desperately crave "me time," and zoning out seems like the easiest way to unwind. But what we’re actually doing is depleting ourselves even more, setting ourselves up for another exhausting day of endless decisions.

I know this because just last week, my husband and I sat down to start a new series. After two episodes, he sensibly went to bed, but me? The next thing I knew, my computer screen went black at 5 AM!

It took me three days to recover from that screen binge.

So why do we do this to ourselves when we know it makes us feel worse?

As working mums, we juggle countless responsibilities, making hundreds of decisions every single day. From big career moves to small daily choices like packing school lunches, it all adds up. By the end of the day, our brains are fried, and we choose the path of least resistance.

We binge-watch, we scroll, we stay up too late because it requires zero effort. And then we wake up exhausted, facing yet another day of decision overload.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Decision Fatigue

According to the Cleveland Clinic, decision fatigue can show up in all sorts of sneaky ways. If any of these sound familiar:

• Procrastination or Avoidance – Avoiding decisions (or dodging certain people and situations) is a classic sign of decision fatigue.

  
  

• Impulsivity – You’ve spent all day making decisions, and now suddenly you’re in the Kmart checkout line with a trolley full of things you don’t need. When your brain is drained, impulse control takes a hit.

  
  

• Exhaustion – Physically, mentally, emotionally, decision fatigue wipes you out. Some days, the only thing that sounds good is a nap and a cry (or both).

  
  

• Brain Fog – Losing your train of thought mid-sentence? Forgetting why you walked into a room? Finding simple conversations strangely hard to follow? Yep, decision fatigue can leave your brain feeling like a buffering WiFi signal.

  
  

• Irritability – Snapped at your partner for asking what’s for dinner? Rolled your eyes when your kid needed one more thing before bed? When your decision-making energy is low, patience goes out the window.

  
  

• Feeling Overwhelmed – When your mental to-do list is so jam-packed that even choosing a snack feels like too much, it’s a sign that your brain is overloaded.

  
  

• Regret or Dissatisfaction – Spent ages making a decision, only to second-guess yourself for the next three hours? Decision fatigue can leave you questioning everything.

  
  

• Physical Symptoms – Headaches, tense shoulders, an eye twitch that won’t quit? The stress of too many choices can literally take a toll on your body.

No wonder we crash on the couch and binge Netflix instead of doing something actually restorative!

One of the biggest energy-drainers is the belief that we have to do it all on our own. But what if we didn’t?

What if, instead of pushing through exhaustion, we leaned on support systems at home, at work, or in our wellbeing journeys?

Take Danielle, for example. She was overwhelmed and unsure where to start with her job application. Instead of struggling alone, she asked for help:

“Thank you, Merly, for your expertise in helping me with my cover letter. This was my first time writing one for a job application, and honestly, I had no idea where to start or what format to follow. During our consultation, you explained everything so clearly and walked me through the best approach. It made such a difference, I left feeling confident and assured. The best part? Not only did I get an interview… I GOT THE JOB! Your advice was invaluable. Thank you so much!”

Danielle’s success story is proof that sometimes, the best thing you can do is take something off your plate and let someone help you.

How to Reduce Decision Fatigue & Reclaim Your Energy

• Simplify Your Choices – Create routines for meals, kids' outfits, and schedules to cut down on daily decisions.

  
  

• Delegate & Outsource – Ask for help at home, at work, and in areas where you’re feeling stuck.

  
  

• Prioritise Self-Care – A rested mind makes better decisions. Sleep, move your body, and nourish yourself well.

  
  

• Make Important Decisions Early – Your mental energy is strongest in the morning, use that time for big decisions.

  
  

• Fuel Your Brain Properly – Mental fatigue isn’t just about being tired, it can also be a sign that your brain isn't getting what it needs. That’s why I turn to Happy Juice for better focus, more energy and overall mental wellbeing. Instead of numbing out with another Netflix binge, what if you gave your brain the nutrients it actually craves?

  
  

• Get Support – Whether it’s burnout and wellness coaching or just talking things through with someone who gets it, leaning on others can make all the difference.

  
  

Feeling burnt out and over it? Join the free Burnout Recovery Mini Course for women who want to restore their energy and avoid burnout without sacrificing their ambition. Sign up here