Music Mental Health Diary Entry Day 8: When the Clarity Fades: Managing Brain Fog in a Fast-Paced Music Industry

By Rich Steve Beck

I’ll admit it—there are days when my brain feels like it’s moving through molasses. I sit down to work on a track or sketch out an idea, and nothing comes. Not because I’m uninspired, but because my mind is too foggy to focus. It’s frustrating, especially when there’s so much to do and so little time to waste. If you’ve ever felt that same heaviness, like your thoughts are trapped under a blanket, you know how paralysing it can be.

The Frustration of Losing Your Flow

For me, brain fog isn’t just about being tired—it’s this strange disconnect between wanting to create and not being able to access the tools in my own head. I’ll stare at a project, knowing exactly what I want to achieve, but the steps to get there feel impossibly far away. Sometimes, even starting feels impossible. You might know that feeling—the way it makes you question whether you’re cut out for this, even though deep down, you know it’s just a phase.

Why Brain Fog Feels Heavier in Music

In the music world, clarity is non-negotiable. Writing lyrics, layering tracks, or fine-tuning a mix—all of it requires sharp focus and mental stamina. I’ve noticed that brain fog hits hardest when I’m stretched thin, whether it’s from juggling too many projects or running on empty after late nights. The pressure to stay productive only makes it worse. Do you ever feel like the more you try to push through, the harder it becomes to think clearly?

How Brain Fog Sneaks Up on You

What makes brain fog so tricky is that it doesn’t always announce itself. For me, it often creeps in quietly—after a string of poor sleep, during stressful periods, or even when I’ve forgotten to eat properly. One moment I’m fine, and the next, I’m stuck. I’ll start a session full of ideas, only to find myself staring blankly at my screen an hour later, unable to move forward. It’s maddening, especially when you’re trying to meet deadlines or stay ahead of the curve.

Strategies That Help Me Regain Focus

Over time, I’ve learned that forcing myself to “power through” brain fog usually backfires. Instead, I’ve started experimenting with small, practical changes. Breaking tasks into tiny, manageable steps helps me regain momentum—even if it’s just naming a file or jotting down one line of a lyric. Sometimes, stepping away for a few minutes to drink water or stretch my legs resets my mind enough to dive back in. Do you ever find that slowing down actually helps you move forward?

Giving Yourself Permission to Pause

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that brain fog isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal from your brain that something needs attention. Maybe you’re overloading yourself, skipping rest, or ignoring stress. I’ve started giving myself permission to pause when I feel the fog creeping in. Sometimes, that means stepping away from a project for a day or two. Other times, it’s as simple as closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Does the idea of pausing feel counterintuitive—or like exactly what you need?

The Importance of Listening to Your Body

I’ve realised that brain fog often shows up when I’m neglecting the basics—sleep, hydration, nutrition, or even just time to decompress. It’s easy to ignore these things when you’re focused on creating or meeting deadlines, but they matter more than I used to think. When I prioritise rest and self-care, the fog lifts faster. Do you ever notice how small shifts in your routine can make a big difference in your mental clarity?

Finding Ways to Work With Your Mind

Brain fog doesn’t have to mean stopping completely. For me, it’s about finding ways to adapt. On foggy days, I’ll switch to less demanding tasks—organising files, brainstorming ideas without pressure, or simply listening to music that inspires me. You might find similar strategies helpful—ways to stay connected to your work without overwhelming yourself. Does adapting your approach feel like a compromise—or a way to stay in control?

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Rich Steve Beck is a podcaster (PMFC Global TV), pro audio engineer/producer community leader (Produce Mix Fix and Conquer), full Music Producers Guild member, and pro mastering engineer who's worked with platinum-selling and Grammy-winning audio engineers.

He is also on a huge journey discovering about his own mental health and has felt a calling, as a large music community leader, to be an advocate for open mental health discussions across the industry.

ADHD, depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, autism...let's dive in to every mental health topic!

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