You’re standing in the pharmacy and can’t remember what questions you meant to ask. You’re staring at a bill but can’t process the numbers. You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You’re in a state of caregiver cognitive overload.

In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, Charlotte names the quiet, invisible experience caregivers face every day: brain fog, forgetfulness, indecision, and mental static even when high-stakes decisions are on the line.

You’ll learn why this happens (hint: your brain is trying to protect you) and what you can actually do about it. With compassion and practicality, Charlotte offers tools and strategies for functioning through fog without shame.

🔑 Key Topics:

• What caregiver brain fog really is and why it’s not your fault
• How prolonged stress affects memory, focus, and cognition
• The 3-3-3 Reset for re-centering in the moment
• “Fog Day Protocols” to plan for the days you can’t think clearly
• How to use external systems (tech, notes, voice memos) as your “backup brain”
• Why lowering expectations is not failure but wisdom

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Hold It Together Handbook — a free toolkit for functioning through overwhelm
• The 3-3-3 Reset — a grounding tool using sight, touch, and breath
• External Brain Strategy: how to offload mental load onto paper or devices
• Fog Day Protocols: real-world caregiving tips for low-functioning days

Favorite Quotes:

“You don’t need to be sharp to be a good caregiver.”

“Your brain is doing its best under impossible circumstances. And that’s not failing—it’s adapting.”

Resources:

• Download the Hold It Together Handbook: cancercaregiverpodcast.com
• Share your fog day protocols or caregiver wins on Instagram @charlottebayala
• Learn more about caregiver cognitive support and scanxiety tools in past episodes