Imagine trying to navigate a tricky landscape in a thick fog. That, according to a clinical psychologist, is what it’s like to try to make important decisions when you’re under chronic stress. The physiological state of stress creates a “cognitive fog” that clouds your judgment and impairs your ability to see clearly.
This fog is a direct result of how stress affects your brain. The over-activation of your brain’s fear center (amygdala) and the under-activation of your rational center (prefrontal cortex) leads to biased and short-sighted thinking. You are more likely to focus on negative outcomes, misinterpret neutral cues, and make reactive, fear-based decisions.
This is why, when you’re stressed, you might overreact to feedback or personalize a situation unnecessarily. You are literally not seeing things clearly. The fog of stress is distorting your perception of reality.
To lift the fog, you need to calm the underlying physiological storm. This is where the five strategies become essential tools for clarity. Micro-breaks are like a burst of wind that momentarily clears the air. Sharing your worries with someone else is like getting a second navigator to help you see the path. By actively managing your stress, you can lift the fog and restore the clear judgment needed for a successful and healthy life.