I was working ridiculous hours just to try to keep afloat but I had no idea of the damage the prolonged stress was doing to my health. Indeed, it was so harmful that those years set off a chain reaction with my health, which continued way after I left.

I then reached midlife.

I did not quite know what hit me. I would frequently forget what I was saying right in the middle of saying it and struggle to express myself or put my thoughts together. I was becoming increasingly anxious and irritable and would have no recollection of certain meetings or decisions that had been made at work. I was honestly fearful that my capability would be questioned. It felt like I was losing my sense of self in ways that I could not control.

But now, all that has changed. Over time, small changes started to make a big difference; not only did the brain fog lift - and I cannot tell you how amazing it was to think more clearly again - but my mood, memory and relationships all improved. I am genuinely happier and back to feeling myself again.

Everyday I make intentional decisions to do good for my brain and avoid the bad because I feel so much better when I do.