Oh, the mommy brain. For many mamas it's all about memory. My mommy brain doesn't manifest in lack of memory per se, though I'm sure my husband would disagree (I believe I've always been a little forgetful and I don't think my level of forgetfulness has increased). I honestly think my mommy brain has messed with my intelligence.
Ever since the birth of my first I've noticed I can't do simple math anymore. Not in my head and sometimes not even when I write it down. I can't make the connections on deeper level jokes that my husband tells anymore. The only humor I understand nowadays is potty humor and slapstick. And things that require logic, don't even get me started on that. I've been having a harder time writing my posts for the blog, especially when it comes to describing the deeper meaning and thoughts I had in creating my images. The words just don't come anymore.
It's started to have more worried because I feel as though it has started to affect my imagination. I can't think deeply anymore it seems. I can't call up images no matter what I do. It's been weeks since I've come up with an idea and I've shot all the ones I've dreamed up already... Aargh.
So what is a gal to do? How in the world am I supposed to keep up my life's work when I can't even think up the word I need to complete this sentence? How do I combat the mommy brain? I've been looking into tips and tricks online and a lot of it seems a little bit like well-yeah-ideas, such as getting more sleep (ha! yeah right! in your dreams! a mom must not have given this advice because she would have known it's impossible when you have kids) and diet (eating specific foods). These are all well and good, but when you're a mama and you already have so many different things on your plate you know that getting more sleep and eating a specific diet are things you just don't have time for. I've found that there are two things that I can do that already fit into my current lifestyle that will help improve my brain power: routine and trying new things.
When you stick to a routine, doing the same thing every day, those who's mommy brain is presented with memory loss can see a significant rise in days where you don't forget where you put your keys or your phone (it's in the same place you put it every day) or by repeating phrases to themselves ("I parked the car in aisle D. I parked the car in aisle D....). I thrive on routine, it helps me know what to expect. I know what days I'm doing what and it helps me prepare and give myself enough time to plan those ever enlightening blog posts.
Trying something new requires a little more forethought. But the forethought helps your brain work and create new neuropaths. Beginning by thinking of what you've done before and how you can change it can give you a powerful brain boost, especially since, as artists we are always trying to improve our work and make something new. Who would have thought that trying to challenge ourselves would actually help us combat mommy brain?! So go out this weekend and try something new and that mommy brain will start to fade away.