B.L.A.S.T. - Five Feelings that Impair Decision Making and Lower Resolve

B.L.A.S.T.— Five Feelings That Impair Decision Making and Lower Resolve

By Ben Kroff, LMFT

When discussing in therapy sessions ways to overcome various challenges, it is easy to imagine implementing our new insights and ideas in real-time. Why then, do we find ourselves not applying our well-laid plans long-term? Why, when in the heat of the moment, do we act opposite of what we know would be best?

The following five feelings act like clouds of confusion that can impair judgment and lower our resolve, even after making a decision.

Bored —We can all relate to going to the fridge and looking for “whatever” because we have a gap in our schedule and nothing to do. Kids who get into trouble at school have found creative ways to manage their boredom, whether with spit wads, teasing their classmates, or scratching their names into their desks. What do you do when you are bored? What vice do you entertain to help fill the time? Be careful of this moment in time; you may not be making the wisest use of it. 

Lonely —“No one cares about me anyway.” When we feel isolated, disconnected, or alone, we are more likely to engage in undesired self-soothing behaviors. We may feel at liberty to indulge because there is no accountability, no one to report to, to check in with, or seek validation from. When you are feeling tempted to engage in an unhealthy compulsion, consider who you might call, pay a visit, or reach out to. Connecting with others can remind us that we are cared for and that others support and believe in us. 

Angry — Our limbic or “reptilian” brain takes over when we are flooded with strong emotions like anger. During this time the executive functioning part of our brain, where we make decisions based on reason and logic, becomes inhibited. Understanding this, we are not surprised that such terrible decisions are made in anger. Breaking things, saying hurtful words, driving recklessly, or walking off a job are examples of regrettable decisions that are made when angry. Paying attention to our behavior can reveal our anger and act as a warning sign that we need to calm down and reconsider before acting. 

Stressed — When we’re stressed, it’s surprising how quickly we can consume unhealthy snacks. Have you ever watched a tense movie and found out you not only ate the popcorn in 30 seconds but the bucket is missing as well? Like anger, stress increases our limbic brain activity where we act on emotion and reduces our executive functioning or “thinking” part of our brain. Using grounding and calming techniques like deep breathing, physical touch, or even a quick meditation can lower our stress and shift our thinking back to the present where we can make safer, healthier decisions. 

Tired - Hundreds of recent studies have highlighted the dangerous effects of sleep deprivation. Our brains literally starve when we don’t get adequate rest. Making critical decisions when we are tired can lead to poor outcomes. Before deciding to quit a job, leave or start a relationship, or make that spontaneous purchase, make sure you are rested. Even 10 to 15 minutes of sleep can reset our mood, increase our resolve and help us manage tasks and relationships with increased clarity and confidence.

Remember these five feelings by memorizing the acronym “BLAST”, and consider measuring your status in each category when you find yourself making important decisions. Like a quick pro-con list, this exercise in self-awareness could be the gate protecting you from facing future regret.

Ben Kroff is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The EFT Clinic in Salt Lake City and Lehi, Utah. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Ben, you can email him at ben@theeftclinic.com or call our scheduling line at 385-695-5949.