Brain Fog: what I do about it

 Motherhood is so weird. One moment I feel like I never have any time, I'm stressed and annoyed with myself for never getting anything done and not being present for Olive...and then the very next day I will be baking two sour dough loaves, sorting the linen closet and making Montessori play activities. 

Some days are tough, others are easy. I struggle a lot with staying consistent. I am always consistent with my love for Olive, but everything else can fall by the way-side if we are having a challenging day.  For example, I love writing blogs, but somehow make it a chore and never get around to finishing anything to publish. I will have a fantastic idea, not write it down and then...swoosh, it's gone forever. I am not complaining, I have such a good time, no matter how foggy my brain is. But it can get a little frustrating. 

Some things I have been doing to combat the mum brain and foggy head are...

Trying to get up as soon as I wake up... if I sit on my phone as soon as I wake up, the start of my day is delayed. I sometimes get a head ache and I don't get those precious moments of snoozy cuddles with my little lady. 

Making sure I drink enough water. I went out and got myself a cute water bottle to encourage myself to drink more. I always forget, even though I am constantly giving Olive water. Side bonus, it helps my skin and makes me feel generally healthier. 

Trying to keep my diet high is protein and iron. Like many woman I suffer from low iron. before I got pregnant I was anaemic. After having Olive I needed an iron transfusion. right now my iron is low but not in the danger zone, so I am taking steps to bring it up to increase my energy and attentiveness.

Taking my vitamins every day. Running on from the last one, an iron tablet, but also my pregnancy and breastfeeding vitamin. I am still breastfeeding a lot so it's important I keep on top of replenishing what I lose.  

Take moments to myself. I have a few activities that I do without Olive that are not home maintenance or mothering related. I know I need to have somethings that are just for me so I can recharge. Like yoga or painting. Yoga really invigorates me and makes me feel like I can take on anything. 

Getting time outdoors. Either going for a walk in my beautiful neighbourhood, going to the beach or just getting out into the garden, I make sure I get a little sun and lots of fresh air every day. I don't know about you, but when I am cooped up inside my brain gets so busy! 

Minimising my screen time. I try not to watch tv during the day unless I am having a rest day. I try to put my phone aside as much as I can and leave it at home where possible. 

Keeping a tidy home. I used to have soooo much stuff. I still have a lot of stuff, but I am going through everything bit by bit and donating, rehoming, selling or recycling things that I don't need. Having a tidy space just clears my mind and lets me think about the more important things. 

Lastly, making lists. If I know I am going to forget something, I write it down. even if I never get back to it, I feel less anxious. so it doesn't really matter if it never gets done.

 

That's all! I hope you enjoyed my little list and please, let me know what you do to feel clearer!

Thanks for reading!