So, a year and a half ago I went on a hike in the dead of winter. It was frigid, it was snowy and there was lots of fog. I did not see it when starting at the trailhead, nor when I began hiking. It wasn’t until I began my climb that the conditions began to become more foggy. For a time all I could see were a few feet in front of me and that’s all I needed to see to keep my self safely on the trail. When I got to the summit there was still fog, but enough break in the clouds to see how far I had come.

I feel like all of us have some foggy days in our lives. There are times when we’re not getting enough sleep, not eating the right foods or are under a lot of stress. All of these can be a prime recipe for some mental fogginess. Yet, most people can still function cognitively fairly well. Those of you with fibromyalgia, I empathize with you of how difficult having brain fog can be.

Even on a good day it feels like my brain is mostly clear, but is still experiencing some passing clouds so to speak. My memory is mostly there, I can think clear most of the time. My ability to think of words and speak well are pretty locked in. The aforementioned stressors that can contribute to brain fog becomes pretty frustrating when I’m taking care of myself physically or mentally. On those days it’s like trying to find my way through a thick fog and happen to find a good tree to hold on to get me through the day.

It’s kind of ironic because while writing this I’m experiencing some moderate brain fog. I’m taking a little bit longer than usual in thinking of words or putting together ideas.

So on those days when the fog is there to stay, what do I do you may ask? Well, the first thing I try to do is accept the situation and be kind to myself. I then begin to analyze what’s causing the fog and if there are any interventions that I can implement. I almost always have my phone with me so I can write down any important information that my wife tells me, or a phone call that I’m on. I carry a little black book around with me where I can start to work on my negative thinking patterns if my brain is too foggy to do this in my mind. I try to give myself breaks and recognize that I may not be able to accomplish all that I wanted to and that’s okay.

Now, I’m not totally there with acceptance of the fog. I have come a long way and I know you can too. Try to implement a few of my strategies or come up with your own of what can help. No matter what, don’t give up on yourself! You can figure this out with the right tools and help.

#brainfog#bekindtoself#findtoolstohelp