Don’t Get Lost in Brain Fog

In farming, and in lots of occupations, being able to make clear-headed decisions is crucial. We all need to make smart decisions about our actions, our time management, our finances. But sometimes, it is really hard to make good, swift, effective decisions, because we get lost in brain fog.

Brain fog goes by many names–fogginess, fuzzy headedness, spaciness, haziness, confusion, rushing thoughts, cluttered thinking, information overload. No matter what you call it, cutting through brain fog to get to mental clarity is hard, but it’s really important.

What Causes Brain Fog?

Lots of things can cause brain fog. In the short term, you can have brain fog because you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, or because you’ve indulged to too much food or a few too many beers. Sometimes medication can cause brain fog (I know those nighttime cold pills always make me feel fuzzy the next day!) And strong emotions, like passion or anger, can affect your thinking.

If you’ve got short-term brain fog, then what? I like to use the RPM system—Recognize that I’m not thinking straight, Put decisions on hold (if possible) until I’m feeling better, and Make a plan for how to manage the things causing brain fog—like plan to get more sleep or cut back on indulgences.

Fight Long-Term Brain Fog

Sometimes, brain fog doesn’t seem to lift. Long-term brain fog can be caused by lots of things. Certain health problems, like untreated diabetes, can cause it. Some mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, can also give you brain fog. And chronic overwork, chronic self-neglect, and chronic stress can trigger serious brain fog.

If you find yourself with longer-term brain fog (more than a week or two), the first thing to do is go see your doctor. Seriously, do this. I know you don’t have time, but you’ve got even less time to be sick with a physical ailment or an emotional one. Go see your doctor.

The other thing to do when brain fog won’t go away is to fight chronic self-neglect, remember your stress management skills, and be SAFER—get enough Sleep, be Aware of your stress, Focus on things to be grateful for, Eat good food and drink enough water, and Reach out to people you trust (check out my post on fighting stress that talks about S.A.F.E.R.) 

And always remember there are people around you who want to help, and who care, and are cheering for you to keep thriving on the farm.