Have you ever watched someone stare blankly at their screen for what feels like forever, completely zoned out, as if their brain is trying to reboot? That’s what brain fog feels like. It’s not about being lazy or uninterested. It’s as if the brain is running 50 tabs at once and none of them will load properly.

Simple tasks suddenly feel overwhelming. Walking into a room and forgetting why. Rereading the same sentence over and over, but not remembering what it says. Having a conversation and realising halfway through that you’ve completely lost track of what the other person is saying.

Brain fog is real.
It often shows up during burnout, exhaustion, or when life just feels too heavy. And while it can be frustrating and even scary, it’s usually the brain’s way of saying, “Please slow down. I need a break.”

When someone is in that buffering mode, there are small things that can help:
● Encourage breaks. Even a five-minute pause can help the brain reset.

● Movement matters. Stretching, walking, or even standing up for a moment can restart energy levels.

● Clear the clutter. Writing things down or creating simple lists can help organise scattered thoughts.

● Show understanding. Brain fog doesn’t mean someone is failing; it simply means they’re overwhelmed and in need of rest.

Some days, the brain will work at lightning speed. Other days, it may need more time to catch up, and that’s okay. Just like a computer that freezes when too many programs are open, the brain eventually unfreezes when given the chance to rest.

Patience, understanding, and self-compassion go a long way in helping the mind reconnect again. Sometimes the brain just needs a moment to catch up. Be gentle with others and with yourself.