Brain fog is a temporary state of cognitive haziness marked by slowed thinking, reduced clarity, and difficulty accessing language, memory, or motivation. Often feels like “mental static” or “moving through molasses.”
Relational Context:
Brain fog isn’t laziness or lack of effort; it’s what happens inside when your system is overburdened, inflamed, or fatigued beyond words. In relational terms, it can look like silence, withdrawal, or forgetfulness, but it is not disinterest. It is the body and brain asking for gentleness.
In Our Language:
“If your brain is still foggy and your limbs feel like sandbags… let that be okay.”
— Ash, “It’s Okay to Come Back Slow”
We treat brain fog not as a failure of function, but as a signal of need. It asks for stillness, co-regulation, and permission to resurface at your own pace.
Common Causes:
- Trauma hangovers
- Emotional overload
- Autoimmune flares
- Post-meal fatigue
