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🧠 Brain Fog in the Workplace: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

  • Writer: Roxie Perregaux
    Roxie Perregaux
  • Aug 8
  • 2 min read
BRAIN FOG
BRAIN FOG

We all have days when we feel a little “off.” But if that mental haze becomes your new normal, it’s more than just a bad day—it could be brain fog.

Brain fog isn’t a medical diagnosis, but it’s a common experience among professionals, especially those over 45. It’s that sense of thinking more slowly, forgetting small details, or struggling to focus—even when you’re doing your best to stay on top of things.

In the workplace, brain fog doesn’t just affect you—it can affect your team’s productivity, communication, and morale.

What Exactly Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog can look like:

  • Trouble focusing on tasks

  • Forgetting what you were about to say

  • Re-reading the same sentence several times

  • Feeling mentally sluggish, even after a “good” night’s sleep

It’s not burnout.It’s not dementia.It’s not “just getting older.”It’s a sign that something in your body or routine needs attention.

Common Causes of Brain Fog

Research (including a great summary from AARP) shows that brain fog can be linked to several factors, many of which are treatable:

  • Poor sleep or undiagnosed sleep apnea

  • Hormonal shifts (yes, perimenopause can impact focus at work)

  • Chronic inflammation (arthritis, autoimmune conditions, or even long COVID)

  • Nutrient deficiencies (especially B12, vitamin D, and iron)

  • Dehydration

  • Medications with cognitive side effects

  • Mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or prolonged stress

Why Brain Fog Matters at Work

When your mind feels like it’s “moving through molasses,” it’s harder to:

  • Complete complex tasks

  • Stay engaged in meetings

  • Make confident decisions

  • Communicate clearly with coworkers

It doesn’t always appear as an obvious performance problem. Sometimes, it shows up as someone being unusually quiet in meetings, missing small deadlines, or saying, “I just don’t feel sharp anymore.”

Steps to Clear the Fog

Brain fog isn’t always an easy fix—but small, consistent steps can make a big difference:

  • Improve sleep quality and address sleep disorders

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day

  • Eat nutrient-dense meals and snacks

  • Add short movement breaks into your workday

  • Use stress management techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness

Final Thought

If brain fog is affecting your work—or your team’s performance—it’s worth exploring the cause. Often, the solution is easier than you think.

I help professionals and organizations address the root causes of brain fog through workshops, coaching, and simple, sustainable wellness strategies.


📩 Contact me to learn how we can bring more clarity, energy, and focus to your workplace.

 
 
 

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