Cognitive overhead: Thoughts that are ever-present.

Collectively, many of us are feeling a low level fatigue, fogginess, and amotivation.

Imagine the tip of the iceberg: that’s what is above the water. But below the waters are deep shifting, powerful forces, rumbling and roiling. 

Right now, in the time of Covid, here are some of the swirling questions that occupy our crucial bandwidth: 

Who do I believe? What’s true?

Can I hug you? Should I wear a mask? What’s going to happen with the economy? Can I trust you? Are my loved ones safe? Am I being too risky? Can we make plans for our future? 

We have brand new rules of engagement, and a confusing sub text within our daily systems. Every encounter with a loved one, neighbor, clerk, coworker: each event requiring new consent. 

Socially, we knew the rules. We gave a kiss goodbye, touched while walking, ordered coffee, broke bread, sat close and said funny things...connected in many nonverbal ways. Even for the introvert, these behaviors reflect affection, trust and safety...all necessary for brain function (not just development).

Now, each and every brush requires interpretation : usurping mental real estate. A vague aura of confusion, “I can’t think,” “Everything is harder” or, “takes longer.” We make dumb mistakes, get a little careless, have difficulty concentrating. 

This is mental exhaustion. The Unknown is stress like a diamond dental drill grinding away, a buzzing fly, or a distant thumping reverb. A leaf blower, garbage truck and street sweeper all rolled into one!

Decision-making becomes choppy and everything feels tougher. At the end of the day, we are pooped. Humans thrive on the predictability box of life; we are hardwired to save that valuable gray matter for stimuli that is threatening, critical, significant. Our mental health is no-joke; and we may need something very different than our family members or friends. Take care of YOURSELF.  This too shall pass.

  “It’s easy to see the beginnings of things, and harder to see the ends."