Lazy, unfocused, unmotivated, binge eating, mindless scrolling on my phone, excessive videogames. This is how I would describe myself at times; when I am in the state of what I call 'the fog'

The fog is a state of mind where you lack clarity on long term goals, you lack motivation and energy for daily (good) habits. You feel lazy, and prefer comforts. You don't feel like putting in effort to groom yourself, Binge eating, video games, or binge watching TV shows until you fall asleep may be the preferred methods of 'passing the fog.'

If you find yourself diagnosed with 'the fog', your main goal should be understanding and then lifting the fog. This may take some time so be patient with yourself.

UNDERSTANDING THE FOG

Before you try to gain clarity and feel better, first always make a mental note of trying to understand the fog - and realising that you do not have to feel a 100% driven 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It's just impractical. Do not be harsh on yourself. Self hatred leads to vicious cycles gaining momentum towards hell. Ask yourself the simple question, why do you feel this way?

Is it because of something you did?

Something I did: I maybe in the fog because I binge ate something I shouldn't. I personally had lots of trouble with food. Often at times I find myself worsening the damage by binge eating even more, due to the fallacy of thinking that 'eh, the damage has already been done, might as well.'

Understand that the numbers do matter and play a role on your brain. Following the theories of neuroplasticity; creating circuits in your brain, the amount of time you may have spent on the 'bad thing', or the quantity of junk food you have consumed will strengthen the brain circuitry of the 'bad thing' you are trying to free yourself from.

Nobody's done anything great with a 'might as well.'

Is it anxiety related, such as overthinking?

Write it down, address it, face it and confront it. Do not seek comfort in simple pleasures hoping that your worries will disappear. Like the skeleton in the closet, sooner or later you will have to address it. Take some time, sit down, think & write about what's on your mind.

If you feel like you must make the time go by faster, or believe that you are more mentally prone to anxiety symptoms, make a conscious decision to do something that does not reinforce the bad habits you are trying to break. This does not mean you mindlessly binge watch hours of Netflix & eat a tub of icecream. Perhaps you may choose a better medium ground that helps you towards your goal, maybe a documentary on a hobby of yours and popcorn.

The fog may also come with physical symptoms. Understand the underlying causes of it, acknowledge it and let it pass with time. It's okay not to feel 100% as long as you don't worsen it.

Sleepiness/tired → masturbation, lack of sleep

Headache → binge watching, lack of sleep.

Stomach discomfort → binge eating

so on so forth.

LIFTING THE FOG

To lift the fog, is to regain clarity on your short and long term goals. To be able to focus on current tasks at hand and make better decisions. To be able to stand a bit taller, to feel like you are totally in control of your actions.

Lifting the fog, should be a readjustment. It is not laying a new foundation or a life-changing experience.

Notice how 'goals' are involved. If you're lacking long term goals, find some time to read about SMART goal setting, and set some proper goals for yourself. Yes, that's right. Goals are important as it gives you a sense of direction in life, where you're headed - that's what you're striving for and when achieved increases your self esteem, making you focused and more engaged in whatever task is at hand. Start slow, and regain momentum towards the direction of your potential. Small wins add up to big wins. It's the initial acceleration, the inertia that you're fighting as you lift the fog.

  1. Understand the fog.
  2. Set some short term goals (maybe some to-do tasks just for today), and execute as soon as your physical symptoms allow.
  3. Gain momentum and move towards your goal.