Brain fog. Just the word alone can send chills up my spine. If you know about brain fog then you may have a reaction to that word as well. Brain fog can be brought on by stress, lack of sleep, diet, hormonal changes, and illness, like autoimmune disease. 

Brain fog makes you feel mentally slow, fuzzy, or spaced out. I’ve had people describe it to me like their brain is walking through quicksand. It makes it hard to concentrate, focus, and remember things.

When I am struggling with brain fog I can find it hard to read a book, write, and often even talk to people because I struggle to come up with words. It is annoying but sometimes it even feels scary. I start to wonder if words and my memory will come back.

Brain fog can come on at any time and usually indicates something else in your life needs to be addressed. When I start to notice a change in my mental clarity, focus, and concentration there are a few things I try to do. 

Sleep. Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. That can be hard, but do the best you can. Naps are also a good option if you know you can’t get enough hours of sleep at night. 

Manage Stress. Stress has a negative impact on your body so keeping it in check can help with brain fog. When brain fog gets bad it can make you feel more stressed too so having a few tools  under your belt to deal with this will help. 

• Breathing: sit down, close your eyes and breathe in for a count of 6 and out for a count of 6. This particular breathing will tap directly into your nervous system and help to lower your stress levels.

• Meditation is another great tool to help you focus, concentrate, and practice acceptance of what is happening without judgement.

Move Your Body. Physical activity is good for you overall but is also a great way to boost brain function. Getting outside for a walk is a great reset. Yoga is great to help you connect with your  body and mind to create focus and clarity. These are just two examples, figure out what works best for you. 

Know Where You Do Your Best Thinking. When you are in the midst of brain fog you may still have moments of clarity and focus. You want to capitalize on those moments. For example, I do my best thinking in the shower. I make sure to keep my phone in the bathroom so I can voice command notes to help me with whatever project I am working on. Later, when I am struggling with words or thoughts I have my notes to guide me. This one has been a game changer for me. 

Brain fog is frustrating, but all is not lost!  Having tools to help you manage when you are in the thick of it is key. You can create more clarity, focus, and concentration in your life with just a little effort 

If this is something you are struggling with then click here and let’s find a time to talk about it.