Clearing the Mental Fog

Practical Tips

Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash

Clearing the Mental Fog

“Brain fog” isn’t a medical condition.

It’s a term used for certain symptoms that can affect your thinking ability. You may feel confused or disorganized or find it hard to focus or put your thoughts into words.

We’ve all experienced mental fog.

You feel like your brain is made of cloud puffs instead of an actual brain.

Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Diminished memory

• Find it hard to focus

• Poor communication skills

• Low motivation

• Easily distracted

Brain fog results from any type of imbalance in the control centre of the brain, otherwise known as the hypothalamus. This imbalance can be a result of inflammation, free radicals or any type of stress brought on by several factors, such as:

• Multi-tasking

• Exhaustion

• Anxiety

• PTSD

• Imbalanced hormones

• Infections

• Not getting enough sun exposure

• Substance abuse

Even though mental fog is natural as a result of our busy, nonstop lifestyles, it shouldn’t happen frequently.

If you feel that you’re experiencing fogginess more often than you’d like, then here are some simple changes you can do to stop it from happening and prevent any future occurrences.

Eat right

It’s amazing how much power our food has over us.

Processed foods and foods high in saturated fats and gluten all have a negative effect on your brain. So much so that a study has proven how gluten sensitivity has been linked to low concentration and focus abilities. Also, not getting enough water into your system can lead to brain freeze.

Take your vitamins

If your diet lacks antioxidants, vitamins, such as D and B complex, or minerals, such as calcium, zinc and magnesium, then you should start looking for supplements that work along your diet and provide you with all the necessary nourishment you may be lacking.

Get better sleep

We all sleep, but it’s the quality of our sleep that is important.

High-quality sleep improves brain function as a whole. While it’s ideal to get the full 8 hours each night, some require only 6 for optimal effectiveness.

Find what works best for you, then regulate your sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and a comfortable sleeping area.

Work out

When you exercise, you send fresh, oxygenated blood to your entire body, mainly your brain. This boosts cognitive functions and diminishes brain fog. Studies have proven how exercise can improve learning and study skills and optimize concentration and memory skills.

Find a hobby

While it may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done, let alone find time to enjoy a hobby, there are ways to incorporate fun, relaxing activities into your weekly schedule.

The first step is to carve out some “me” time and stop thinking it’s selfish, like most of us do.

The second step is to find something you enjoy doing just to chill out. It could be meditating by yourself in a quiet room with scented candles or a class or club and getting to meet new people. The final step is to decompress and enjoy.

The above strategies are also excellent ways to help you manage stress.

The top seven stress management techniques listed by The Harvard Medical School are:-

1. Get enough sleep. Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can negatively affect your mood, mental alertness, energy level, and physical health.

2. Learn relaxation techniques. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are powerful relaxation techniques and stress-busters.

3. Strengthen your social network. Connect with others by taking a class, joining an organization, or participating in a support group.

4. Hone your time-management skills. The more efficiently you can juggle work and family demands, the lower your stress level.

5. Try to resolve stressful situations if you can. Don't let stressful situations fester. Hold family problem-solving sessions and use negotiation skills at home and at work.

6. Nurture yourself. Treat yourself to a massage. Truly savour an experience: for example, eat slowly and focus on the taste and sensations of each bite. Take a walk or a nap, or listen to your favourite music.

7. Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your spouse, friends, and neighbours. If stress and anxiety persist, talk to your doctor.

It amazes me that some Health Care professionals are not that good at practising self-care. We have to practise what we preach more often

Brain fog is completely reversible.

You need to do the work and find out what works for you.

Each one of us is unique, so it may be a bit challenging at first to find that perfect fit.

But you’ll be glad you put in the effort once you regain clarity and be able to perform at your best.

Alan /|\