The Fog Isn’t in Your Head — It’s in Your Setup
Some days, your brain feels like it's wrapped in gauze. You're not sick. You slept okay. But there it is: the fog. Before you blame your mind, take a hard look at your environment. Cognitive fog is often environmental entropy — a system failure disguised as a mood.
What Causes the Fog?
- Bad lighting: Dim or cold fluorescent light increases fatigue and dulls focus.
- Low air quality: CO₂ buildup and dust levels affect clarity and memory.
- Auditory chaos: Background noise, HVAC hum, or neighbors arguing — it adds up.
- Visual clutter: Piles, cables, and notifications overload your working memory.
How to Clear It
- Upgrade your light: Use a full-spectrum LED desk lamp with adjustable color temperature.
- Measure your air: CO₂ monitors reveal whether your space needs ventilation.
- Filter the noise: Try ANC headphones or a white noise machine to mask disruptions.
- Declutter one zone: Start with the desk — fewer inputs = fewer distractions.
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