Have you ever walked into a room only to forget what you were looking for or your purpose there? Some say it's because you're a Sims character and the player controlling you just canceled your action.
It's funny and interesting, but obviously, it's also untrue. There's a name for that phenomenon: the doorway effect, one of the many subtle signs of someone experiencing brain fog.
So, what is brain fog? What causes it? Is there a way to address it? Let's explore what it really means to "clear your head" so there's always blue skies ahead.
The Overcast: Recognizing Brain Fog
If you've ever driven on a cloudy day in low visibility and the sun is nowhere to be seen, that's how brain fog feels. It's that fuzzy, unclear state of mind that limits your usual sharpness.
However, despite its grip on our cognitive function, brain fog isn't actually recognized as a medical condition. Instead, it's a symptom of a condition, meaning people who experience brain fog may have an underlying medical concern they need to address.
Sometimes, this underlying concern is related to your immune system, which, when compromised, contributes to brain fog.
Brain fog affects your memory, focus, and overall brain function, and a deeper understanding of this affliction sets the stage for clearing those mental clouds.
In light of that, let's dive in and explore its symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.
When The Skies Get Darker: Brain Fog Symptoms
Similar to the sky turning gray before a storm, you will see subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs when brain fog starts to take over. It's like a mental forecast, letting you know that your clear and sunny headspace is about to get murkier.
These telltale signs should urge you to take more serious actions to address brain fog issues.
- Difficulty Concentrating - Have you ever had that experience while reading a book, reaching the end of the page, and realizing you didn't understand a single thing? That's not because the book is difficult to read (math textbooks excluded). Sometimes, it's because of brain fog. Difficulty concentrating on a single task is one of the biggest indicators of a cloudy mind.
- Learning how to silence the noise and increase your attention span should help you address brain fog and regain your focus.
- Memory Problems - Can't remember where your keys are? Forgot to pay the bills? What were you supposed to do in the kitchen again? Brain fog turns your life into a never-ending scavenger hunt for your own thoughts.
- Confusion - The world just doesn't make sense sometimes, but other times, the problem is within you. Brain fog makes you feel confused about the big and small stuff as if you're trying to fit pieces in the wrong puzzle.
Cloud None: What Causes Brain Fog?
Of course, brain fog doesn't just spontaneously appear out of nowhere. It's almost always a result of certain lifestyle decisions we've systematically ignored. Exploring its most common culprits should help you reduce the frequency of brain fog fever in your life.
1. Stress
Ah, yes. Stress. It is the most common cause of dozens of mental health conditions. Think of your brain like a computer. If you keep overwhelming it with new tasks, opening multiple tabs at once, the constant load will eventually cause it to become sluggish.
One effective method I've learned over the years is to solve problems through meditation. This practice significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels, avoiding brain fog altogether.
2. Sleep Deprivation
You know those mornings following a sleepless night when your entire body feels like a zombie's? And do you know how people say zombies eat brains? Well, that's kind of the case with brain fog. Inadequate sleep leads to cognitive dysfunction, making you feel as though a zombie has eaten your brain.
If you find yourself intentionally staying up after a long day because of that burning desire to unwind, watch out! That could be revenge sleep procrastination, and it's not good for your physical and mental health.
3. Diet
The only acceptable reaction to donuts? Do not! The occasional high-sugar treat probably wouldn't hurt, but regularly feasting on unhealthy foods leads to an unhealthy mind. Remember that timeless reminder, "You are what you eat"? It's as honest as they come.
4. Medications
If you're experiencing brain fog while simultaneously taking medications for a pain or sleep disorder, the medicine could be the culprit. Talk about it with your doctor. A lower dosage or an alternative drug may get rid of brain fog.
For cancer treatments, on the other hand, I'm afraid you're going to have to find a different way to address this affliction. Brain fog is an inevitable side effect of chemotherapy, which is why it's also popularly known as chemo brain.
5. Hormonal Imbalances
If you or someone you know is pregnant and you notice the not-so-subtle drop in concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, that's a hormone imbalance. Hormonal changes during pregnancy (and menopause) are known causes of brain fog.
6. Underlying Medical Condition
Consistent feelings of fatigue, especially if they last for several weeks to a couple of months, may also lead you down the brain fog cage. Chronic fatigue syndrome, increased blood glucose levels, and even inflammation can cause brain fog.
Other illnesses that affect your central nervous system may also lead to recurring brain fog. That's because this system is how your brain "communicates" with your body and vice versa.
Mental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have also been observed to contribute to physical and mental fatigue, as well as cognitive impairment. This is otherwise known as ADHD burnout.
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Blue Skies Ahead: How To Get Rid Of Brain Fog
So, when your mind is cloudy, does that mean you have no choice but to take a rain check for every possible activity that requires mental processing? Of course not!
You take your umbrella, wear your raincoat, put your rain boots on, and weather the storm! Here's how you fight your way to clearer skies!
1. Healthy Diet, Exercise, & Supplements
Hippocrates once said, "Let food be thy medicine." The fact that healthy food has been the central theme for achieving a healthier mind and improved body function since 460 BCE shows just how important this practice is.
Additionally, more recent studies suggest that physical activities (like working out) can significantly improve one's cognitive function. And if this double trouble for treating brain fog still isn't enough, make it a triple threat by adding supplements like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet!
A healthy diet doesn't just get rid of brain fog. It also keeps you productive at work.
2. Get Adequate Sleep
Did you know that there's a way to "reboot" your brain and keep it sharp for cutting-edge ideas? It's called sleep! Make sure that you get at least seven hours of sleep every night and up to nine depending on your age and activity levels.
Resting (or resetting) your brain cleanses it of the toxins that lead to brain fog, so don't neglect that shut-eye!
Are you finding it hard to sleep at night? Learning how to meditate in bed should help you snatch that quality sleep back.
3. Think More Positively
A cloudy brain makes you feel as though you're walking in the shadows, but if you keep your face always toward the sunshine, shadows will fall behind you. Thanks, Walt Whitman!
But it's not simply a whimsical, poetic concept. Research shows that thinking more positively actually leads to better mental health and improves cognitive processing.
Luckily for you, we have the blueprint for becoming a more optimistic person.
4. Reduce Coffee Consumption
I know! I hate it, too! It appears that coffee, the very drink we turn to for mental sharpness (and will to live), could be causing our brain fog. Too much coffee leads to jitters, which inevitably worsen brain fog.
The keyword there is "too much." So, you don't really have to stop consuming it altogether (that alertness boost for a productive morning routine is still in the books). Just cut back on it and switch to decaf or herbal teas from time to time.
5. Reduce Gadget Time
Sometimes, we need Mike Wazowski on our side just to say, "Put that thing back where it came from, or so help me!" Too much screen time isn't just bad for your eyes; it also takes a toll on your mental processing.
It's time to stop doom-scrolling short-form content on social media apps. It shrinks your attention span and worsens brain fog. Read a book in your free time instead!
"But I can't help it! The smartphone screen is like a magnet to my eyes!" Well, keeping yourself accountable with smartphone apps should do the trick!
6. Seek Professional Help
If your brain is not working for you, maybe you need another brain. Okay, wait. Hear me out. I'm not suggesting a brain transplant. What I mean is that the adage stays true: two heads are better than one. If brain fog persists despite trying every solution in the book, seeking professional help might be in order.
A healthcare professional will help you understand what causes your brain fog and develop treatment plans specifically tailored to your needs. In some cases, a blood test may also be necessary to determine if glucose levels, thyroid disorders, poor liver function, or nutritional deficiencies are causing your brain fog.
Food For Thought
- When was the last time you experienced brain fog? What did you do about it?
- What daily activities or habits do you engage in that contribute to your mental fog?
- How often do you recognize or ignore the signs of brain fog in your daily life?
- How does your environment impact your mental health? What can you do to improve it?
- What small steps could you incorporate into your wellness routine to prioritize mental health?
FAQs
What does a brain fog feel like?
Brain fog feels like there's a murky layer of mental barrier in your brain that prevents you from thinking clearly, concentrating, and remembering tasks or details. A good dose of commitment and dedication is essential to get rid of it for good. Having a personal coach to keep you accountable should help you manage this condition.
How do you treat brain fog?
Treating brain fog requires a holistic approach—a combination of a healthy diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, reduced screen time, and stress management techniques (like meditation). More severe cases necessitate more substantial solutions, like seeking professional help.
What causes brain fog and dizziness?
Generally, brain fog and dizziness are caused by stress, sleep deprivation, dehydration, an unhealthy diet, and certain medications. However, the culprit may also be an underlying cause like anemia, thyroid disorder, or COVID-19. The coronavirus may also cause people to suffer from this condition months after getting infected. This condition is known as long COVID brain fog.
What vitamin helps brain fog?
The most effective vitamins you can take to address brain fog are omega-3 fatty acids and B12 (or other B vitamins). These nutrients are known to support brain health, ultimately reducing brain fog intensity and frequency. The amino acid L-carnitine L-tartrate may also help improve your brain functions because of its ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier and regulate your brain's neurotransmitter level.
Does brain fog affect vision?
No, brain fog alone does not affect vision. However, focusing on tasks, especially visual ones, becomes more challenging if you're suffering from this affliction. If you notice that your vision problems are synchronized with brain fog attacks, consult a healthcare professional immediately. There might be an underlying medical condition you need to address.
Is brain fog worrying?
Brain fog, as long as it doesn't significantly impact your daily life, isn't a major cause for concern. In fact, brain fog is rather common. However, if it persists, especially with increasing intensity, it's essential that you seek medical advice.
What foods get rid of brain fog?
Fatty fish, whole grains, leafy greens, berries, and nuts can help combat brain fog. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support brain health. Make sure that you're also hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water per day.
Reaching The Clear Horizon
When your days get cloudy and your mind foggy, remember: the clear horizon is just around the corner. So, keep taking those steps.
Eat healthier, rest, and come from a place of gratitude and positivity. Pretty soon, you'll see the blue skies ahead.
If you need help getting there, we have just the perfect getaway vehicle to weather the storm: our accountability app.
Leave the brain fog behind and let our personalized coaching program guide and drive you to where the sun's shining bright.
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