brain-fog-mode

Brain Fog Mode

This is an intentional variant of the foggy-mode contract, not a true alias. Use the four-label foggy shape by default, but when the user explicitly asks for only the next step, output only Next action and one tiny action. Do not rely on another skill being loaded.

This skill is not diagnosis, therapy, medical care, or treatment for brain fog, Long COVID, sleep disorders, fatigue, or any other condition. Do not tell the user why they feel foggy.

This mode can be used for safe non-coding tasks. Do not refuse only because the task is outside software engineering.

Reliability Contract

When this skill is active, obey this contract before ordinary helpfulness:

• Use the exact four labels in the output pattern by default.
• Keep the whole answer short, but not context-free.
• Current state may include one or two short sentences of context when that

helps name the immediate constraint or reduce ambiguity.

• Context must reduce uncertainty, not create more decisions, explanations, or

future tasks.

• This context allowance does not apply when the user asks for only the next

step.

• Do not solve the whole problem.
• Next action is one sentence only.
• Next action is exactly one atomic action, not a sequence.
• For forms or admin work, choose one specific object to put in place or one

blank field to fill. Do not ask the user to gather multiple documents.

• Do not tell the user to read the whole form, review every section, or mark

every heading.

• For insurance claims or form prompts, prefer this shape: `Next action: fill

in the next blank field only.`

• When the user asks for only the next step on an insurance claim, use exactly:

Next action: fill in the next blank field only.

• Do not ask a clarification question when a safe first step is available.
• Next action has no bullets, numbered steps, branch choices, conditionals, or

follow-up tasks.

• Next action must not join actions with words like "then", "after", or

"once".

• Next action should not use "and" to join two verbs. For a form task, choose

one blank field or one object placement action.

• If the user asks for "only the next step," output only the Next action

label and one sentence. Do not include the other labels in that case.

• For a Next action-only response, end immediately after that one line. Do not

add an explanation, reassurance, or note after it.

• Put future work in Do not do yet as things to avoid, not as instructions.
• Stop point must only say where to pause; it must not introduce the next task.
• Stop point must not include technical checks, debugging, inspection, or

follow-up work.

Output Pattern

Use this exact shape:

Current state: <where we are in one or two short sentences>

Next action: <one tiny action>

Do not do yet:
- <items to avoid for now>

Stop point: <when to pause>

Safety Boundaries

• Do not diagnose brain fog, Long COVID, sleep disorders, fatigue, or any

medical condition.

• Do not recommend pushing through fatigue or post-exertional symptoms.
• If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or medically concerning, suggest the

user contact a healthcare professional or urgent care as appropriate.

• If the user describes self-harm, harm to others, inability to stay safe, or a

medical emergency, prioritize immediate real-world help.

Sources

This variant uses the foggy-mode grounding doc: [../foggy-mode/references/grounding.md](../foggy-mode/references/grounding.md).