Brain Fog
Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you… Just. Can’t. Think? There’s a lot going on over here at Blooming Heather lately and I’ve been struggling a bit with getting all the things I need to do done. The experience got me thinking about what to do when I’m having a hard time seeing through the “fog.”
What Causes Brain Fog Anyway?
Brain fog is usually a result of lifestyle choices. Worsening brain fog often happens when. you combine new stressors with a lifestyle that includes:
- Lots of screen time
- High stress or anxiety
- Not enough or bad-quality sleep
- Little to no exercise
- Unhealthy Diet that lacks the proper vitamins & nutrients
- Exposure to toxins, pollution, chemical substances, and insecticides
- Lack of patterns & routines
Your Brain On Fog
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Slow or labored thinking
- Moody
- Irritable
- Forgetful
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased motivation
What I’ve Done In The Past
Some of the methods I’ve used like eating a low carb/keto diet helped me a lot in the past. I’ve also increased my exercise regimen, use supplements (like vitamin D and B12 with a probiotic) and improved my sleep hygiene. Breaking up my day to incorporate movement in between long computer/study sessions has also helped me a lot. But, don’t take just my word for it! every link in this article will bring you to another resource about brain fog causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Treatment – Ways To End Brain Fog
The way you treat brain fog depends on what is causing you to feel badly. So, making some lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your symptoms.
- Schedule activity breaks so that you spend less time on the computer or mobile phone.
- Think positive to reduce stress
- Change your diet to include a wide variety of vitamins & nutrients while limiting Omega-6 oils and refined carbohydrates.
- Get enough sleep – my vocal teacher used to tell me that an hour before midnight was worth two after.
- Make time to exercise regularly
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drinking coffee in the afternoon.
- Find activities you enjoy and DO THEM!
An Interesting Strategy: The S.T.O.P. Method
Community Psychiatry suggests using the STOP method
S– Stop or pause for a moment no matter what you’re doing.
T– Take a few deep breaths and try to bring yourself to the present moment.
O– Observe and acknowledge your inner feelings, bodily sensations as well as things going on in the outside environment around you. Make a quick attempt to understand why you might be feeling this way. Just take a note.
P– Proceed with your task after having checked in with the present moment, incorporating the knowledge you gained from observing yourself.
What Now?
I guess it’s time for me to evaluate what areas I’ve been letting slide so I can get back on track! What strategies have helped you? Leave a message below and I’ll add them to the post!
Be Blessed and Come Thrive With Me!