Lately, I’ve experienced mental fog - big time! I’m juggling a lot of different projects right now, and my mind always seems to be racing from one thought to the next…and then poof! Whatever I was just thinking about is abracadabra…gone! We’ve all experienced mental fog. As a hypnotist, I help my clients deal with this all the time, but sometimes I need a reminder on how to alleviate the symptoms so I can work at my maximum effectiveness! So whether this is for you or for me…it’s time to re-assess what’s going on when you feel like your brain is made of cloud puffs instead of an actual brain. Some symptoms include:
Difficulty concentrating
Diminished memory
Find it hard to focus
Poor communication skills
Low motivation
Easily distracted
Brain fog is a result of any type of imbalance in the control center 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 and drink lots of water
It’s amazing how much power our food has over us. Processed foods, 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. Keep a glass of water nearby and take frequent sips throughout the day.
Take your vitamins
If your diet is lacking in 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’re lacking.
Get better sleep
We all sleep, but it’s the quality of our sleep that can either make us or break us. High quality sleep improves brain function on a whole. While it’s ideal to get the full 8 hours each night, some people 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. Comfy pillows, ear plugs, curtains/blinds that block daylight, and keeping a comfortable room temperature are things I did to make my bedroom more comfortable.
Work out
When you exercise, you send fresh, oxygenated blood to your entire body, mainly your brain. This boosts its cognitive functions and diminishes brain fog. Studies have proven how exercise can improve learning and study skills, optimize concentration and memory skills. Exercise doesn’t have to be running 3 miles every day or lifting weights. Just MOVE your body. Doing a few stretches or a 10 minute walk will make a huge difference in reducing mental fog.
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.
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. And now that my weekly blog is done? I’m going for a walk.
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