Do you suffer from brain fog? Sure, we all do at some point or another. But these days since technology and distractions are on the rise it seems to be more of an ongoing than an every now and then thing. Well, let’s try to clear the air, shall we?!
I have been really trying to pay close attention to my daily habits and routines. As time goes by I try to figure out exactly what’s going on with my own brain fog and it has really become a challenge. My brain already has many complexities and distractions seem to try to derail me. Understanding what we do and how we spend our time can really help us.
Brain fog: a term used to describe a range of cognitive symptoms that affect your ability to think clearly and focus. It can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks. (source: google)
Something that could be very important is that in more and more cases people are finding that brain fog could be due to an underlying cause such as COVID-19 or other factors. It may not just be from being overworked and tired. Seek professional advice asap.
Some symptoms
- Poor concentration. When time goes by and you are really having a tough time focusing on tasks that are important.
- Being forgetful. If you are constantly forgetting things this could be a sign of brain fog.
- Thinking slower. This one is important because it could make you realize you are not at the same pace as you once were.
- Can’t find the right words. The struggle seems real these days.
- Mental fatigue. When your brain is just feeling way too tired to keep going.
Potential causes
- Hormonal changes.
- Daily stresses.
- Poor sleep routine.
- Medications.
- Underlying health conditions.
- Working too hard.
- Too much time spent on digital tech.
Potential treatment
- Try to get more rest. Like for real. Get some good rest on a more consistent basis. Don’t think that the weekends will help you recharge completely when you sleep in on a Sunday. Not gonna happen.
- Daily exercise. This means doing at least 20 minutes of exercise every single day.
- Healthy diet. This one is really tricky for me. I do feel I eat healthy but the sweets just keep sneaking back in.
- Take computer and phone breaks. If you have to work around computers all day this one is especially for you.
- Reduce stress, and think positively. Control the controllables and the rest you will have to try to let go of.
Techniques to help focus and memory
- Active listening. It’s truly very important to be present when listening to others regardless of brain fog or not.
- Visualizing. It’s a good idea to try to picture things you want to remember. Create mental images that relate. This one can be tough to keep track of. There are lots of resources online to help you get this one going.
- Auditory rehearsal. Repeating back the things you need to remember out loud. It’s ok to look like you’re crazy we all talk to ourselves.
- Take breaks. Step back from time to time and shut off potential distractions.
Conclusion
Since we have many more responsibilities these days and we have more distractions you could easily see how we could develop brain fog. Please don’t let too much time go by in this state before you try to fix it. Seek clinical help if necessary. The professionals can help you sort things out and come up with a game plan on how to get you back on track.
