Written by Isabella Boston.
Brain fog feels like a lack of mental clarity; it can affect your ability to focus ad make it difficult for you to recall things. ~ Sabrina Romanoff, professor and clinical physchologist.
Has this ever happened to you?
You are nice and comfy on the couch watching television and suddenly you remember you must go and grab something important from upstairs. You dash up the steps, turn the corner into your bedroom only to find that you have forgotten what was so important in the first place.
Or…
You are in the middle of telling a story, a very good story, and suddenly your brain comes up blank leaving you trailing off in mid-sentence and unable to finish what you were trying to say.
And let’s not leave this one out:
You look all over the house for your glasses, only to find that you are wearing them!
This, my friends, is called brain fog.
Even as I sit here writing this, I can’t help but to laugh at all the times I, myself, have lived through the above scenarios. And “laugh” is just what many of us do, simply shaking it off as “old age”.
However, not all mental lapses are due to the aging of the mind.
Brain fog can happen to anyone and can also be a sign of a much bigger problem. But, first, let’s discuss what is brain fog?
What is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is not a medical condition, but a term used to describe a group of neurological symptoms that can affect your memory and ability to think clearly.
Symptoms include:
· Short-term memory loss
· Trouble concentrating
· Behavior and mood changes
· Difficulty solving problems
· Trouble paying attention
· Headache
· Low energy and fatigue
· Low motivation
· Depression
What Causes Brain Fog?
Brain fog is linked to an individual’s lifestyle which promotes hormonal imbalances and is made worse by stress. However, it can also be caused by certain health conditions.
Common causes:
Electromagnetic radiation from computers, cell phones, and tablets.
Stress ~ reduced blood flow to the brain which can cause poor memory and cognitive function.
Inflammation of the brain
Lack of sleep and exercise.
Diet ~ lack of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.
Toxins ~ Exposure to pollution, insecticides, and chemical substances.
Certain medications. Lowering your dosage or switching your medication may reduce brain fog.
Cancer or treatment of cancer such as radiation.
Autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
The treatment of brain fog depends on the cause and a modification to one’s lifestyle can also be helpful.
Things You Can Do to Improve Brain Fog:
Increase your intake of protein, fruits, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Spend less time on electronic devices.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Eliminate and manage the stress in your life as much as possible.
Find enjoyable activities and hobbies.
Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep. Go to bed by 10 pm and no later than midnight.
Practice positive thinking. Mindset is everything.
Spend more time in nature.
Brain fog can be frustrating but with just a few lifestyle changes, relief can be obtained.
Author Bio
Isabella Boston
Isabella Boston is a multi-talented writer and the Founder of Bella’s Attic Studio. She has several years of experience in content writing, copywriting, and social media strategies. She is the author of the romantic and rare memoir, Passion of Flames. Isabella is currently working to spread awareness on the dangers and inhumanity of human sex trafficking. She has special interests in fashion and beauty, health and wellness, and natural healing as it pertains to the body, mind and soul. When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys playing the violin, learning new languages (currently Italian), and reading books of substance.
References
1. Brain fog: Solutions to help you improve concentration. Bangkok Hospital. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/content/brain-fog-syndrome.
2. Higuera, V. (2022, April 29). Brain fog: 6 potential causes. Healthline. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog#diagnosis
3. WebMD. (n.d.). Reasons you may have Brain fog. WebMD. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-fog
