You walk into a room and forget why. You reread the same email line for the third time, and it still doesn’t register. That’s not just a bad day - it could be brain fog, burnout’s not-so-silent accomplice. Let’s break down how to spot it early and clear the mental cobwebs.

Why Brain Fog Deserves Your Attention

Brain fog is like that annoying coworker who over-explains everything but never actually helps. You think you’re moving forward, but instead, you’re stuck in a mental traffic jam. And here’s the kicker: it often shows up before burnout sets up shop.

When your brain hits the snooze button mid-thought, it’s often because it’s overwhelmed. Stress hormones flood your system, making it harder to concentrate, remember things, or even form a coherent grocery list (do we need bread? Milk? Cereal? Why is this so hard!!).

But Wait, Isn’t This Just a Normal Part of Adulting?

Sure, everyone has moments of forgetfulness. But if brain fog becomes your constant companion, it’s time to pay attention. Think of it like your check engine light - annoying, yes, but ignoring it only makes things worse.

Signs your brain might be calling for backup include:

• Difficulty concentrating, even on things you enjoy

• Trouble making decisions (and no, spending 20 minutes picking a Netflix show doesn’t count)

• Constant fatigue, even after a decent night’s sleep

The Tiny Step That Clears the Fog

Now, here’s where your intuition has probably been whispering: "You need a break." And not the kind where you scroll your phone and call it relaxation. Your brain needs the good stuff — real, restorative pauses.

Start with something small: A brain breather. Every couple of hours, step away from the screen. Walk outside, stretch, stare out a window and dramatically ponder life’s mysteries (or just watch a squirrel do its thing). Even five minutes can work wonders.

Your brain isn’t the enemy here - it’s the messenger. And when you treat those foggy signals like the valuable alerts they are, you’re not just avoiding burnout - you’re reclaiming your clarity, energy, and sanity.

Love,

Carleen