What is mental fog, and can mental fog be cured? Mental fog doesn’t only affect the old, but can hit any one of us at any one time. In fact if you read on you will probably recognise some of the symptoms in yourself.
So What Is Mental Fog?
“Clouding of consciousness, also known as brain fog or mental fog, is a term used in medicine denoting an abnormality in the regulation of the overall level of consciousness that is mild and less severe than a delirium. The sufferer experiences a subjective sensation of mentalclouding described as feeling “foggy.”
We’ve all experienced mental fog. You feel like your brain is made of cloud puffs instead of it being an actual brain. The symptoms of mental fog include:
• Difficulty concentrating
• Diminished memory
• Finding 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
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Imbalanced hormones
• Infections
• Not getting enough sun exposure
• Substance abuse
• Chemotherapy and cancer treatments
What Can I Do About It?
Even though mental fog is a common thing that happens 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 help to prevent any future occurrences.
Eat Right
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 the ability to focus. Also, not getting enough water into your system can lead to brain freeze.
Foods that can agrivate this condition include MSG, aspartame, dairy and believe it or not, peanuts.
Incorporate some or all of the following foods to fight your brain fog and improve your cognitive health.
- Salmon
- Avocado
- Blueberries
- Walnuts
- Water
Take Your Vitamins
In most people their diet is lacking in antioxidants, vitamins, such as D and B complex, or minerals, such as calcium, zinc and magnesium.
Exercise Regularly
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.
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 somewhere where you can meet new people. The final step is to decompress and enjoy doing and learning something new.
Destress With Self Care
Make time for yourself. Give yourself a facial or soak in a hot bath. Meditation is also a great habit to develop to clear your mind and destress you.
Mental 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 are able to perform at your best.