Divorce Brain: The Real Fog You Feel During Divorce

Written By Nanette Murphy

If you’re going through a divorce, you might forget simple things, struggle to focus or feel like you’re moving through life in slow motion. This isn’t just in your head—it’s a real phenomenon often referred to as “divorce brain.”

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events a person can experience. It’s emotionally overwhelming, mentally exhausting, and physically draining. Your brain is on overdrive, trying to process the loss, uncertainty, and sheer number of decisions that need to be made. The result? A mental fog that can make even the most capable person feel completely unmoored.

Why Does Divorce Brain Happen?

Divorce triggers a high level of emotional distress, and when our brains perceive stress, they go into survival mode. The limbic system (the part of the brain responsible for emotions and fight-or-flight responses) takes over, while the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking, planning, and decision-making) takes a back seat. This is why you might find yourself:

• Forgetting appointments or misplacing things

• Struggling to focus at work

• Feeling emotionally overwhelmed by small decisions

• Experiencing mood swings or heightened anxiety

• Having trouble sleeping, which further compounds the fog

The good news? Divorce brain is temporary, and there are ways to cope with it.

How to Clear the Fog

While you can’t snap your fingers and make the stress disappear, there are steps you can take to help your brain function more effectively during this difficult time.

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Your body and mind are deeply connected. When you’re going through a divorce, it’s more important than ever to:

• Get enough sleep (or at least rest when you can)

• Eat nourishing foods

• Move your body—whether it’s yoga, walking, or a full workout

• Breathe profoundly and practice mindfulness to calm your nervous system

2. Write Things Down

Keep a journal, to-do list, or planner to track important tasks and thoughts. Having a written system can be a lifesaver when your brain is overloaded.

3. Lean on a Support System

Surround yourself with people who understand and uplift you. You don't have to navigate this alone, whether it’s close friends, family, or a support group.

4. Seek Professional Guidance

A divorce coach can be a game-changer when you’re dealing with divorce brain. They provide:

• Clarity – Helping you sort through the emotional and logistical chaos

• Focus – Keeping you on track with what needs to be done

• Support – Offering reassurance and practical guidance tailored to your situation

• Empowerment – Helping you make confident, informed decisions

Divorce is overwhelming, but with the proper support, you can move through the fog and into a more transparent, more empowered future. If you’re struggling, know that you don’t have to go through this alone—a great divorce coach can help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and clarity.

Have you experienced a divorce brain? Do you need help healing? Do you need support?


Nanette Murphy

I help women heal, reclaim their power and step boldly into a new life.

To assist them as they navigate this transition;turning this challenging time into an opportunity so they can experience growth and empowerment.

As a Life Reinvention Coach for Divorced Women, I provide something beyond traditional therapy, and it’s the support most divorced women desperately need. Divorce can shatter your sense of self, leaving you feeling disconnected, doubting your worth, and uncertain about your future. Many women attempt to push through on their own, often relying solely on willpower and sheer determination. But without true healing and the right guidance, they fall into familiar traps, repeating patterns and feeling stuck, only to end up right back where they started.

https://www.livelifenowwithpurpose.com
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