I don’t know exactly where it originated, but I first heard it in a recovery meeting. The speaker said that we need to H.A.L.T. bad decisions. Then they explained that meant we are to be very careful about the choices we make when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.

Since I heard that comment, I began noticing the truth of the observation. Whenever I am depleted in one area of my life, I tend to make poor choices in other areas.

Sometimes the best way to remedy bad decisions is to pause, grab a meal, walk away for a time to cool off, connect with a friend, or even take a nap. I know there may be deep psychological issues that all of us need to address to improve our lives. But occasionally, the answers are much simpler.