Brain Fog, Busy Days, and Finding Peace

Brain fog.

Lately it feels like I’m living in a haze. I don’t know if it’s perimenopause, the endless to-do lists, or just this stage of life, but my brain feels like it’s moving in slow motion while the rest of life runs at top speed.

Our mornings kick off not-so-bright but definitely early with drivers ed at 7 a.m. for the 14-year-old. That means the 8-year-old and I start school extra early too, and once the ball is rolling, the whole day never really slows down. The girls head to school, my husband and I head to work, and by the time evening comes, we’d all love to collapse on the couch. But nope—volleyball season says otherwise. If we’re not in the gym, we’re in the car (#momtaxi). By the end of the day, my body is tired and my mind is foggier than ever.

Then in preschool the other day, one of the teachers had our busy crew stop. She told them to take a deep breath in—like smelling a flower. Pause. Then slowly blow it out—like blowing out a candle. And wow… it actually worked. For me. In that moment, I felt calmer. The fog didn’t completely disappear, but I felt a peace I hadn’t felt all day. Peace was still possible, even in the middle of the chaos.

Back in the car, this song came on: “Breathe” by Jonny Diaz. Was it written about me? Alarm clock screaming—yep, that’s our 7 a.m. start every day. 90 miles an hour—that’s what life feels like. And third cup of Joe—well, I can relate to that too, especially when the afternoon slump hits and I’m reaching for more caffeine to push through. For three minutes, the song made me slow down, listen, and breathe.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

It’s a busy season, but God is with me—reminding me to pause, breathe, and trust that His peace can settle me even when life is not.

Here’s to Making Monday Matter—pausing, breathing, and letting God’s peace meet us in the middle of life’s fog.