Easily distracted. Lack of focus. Feeling scattered. We have all been there.
Brain fog can feel like your head is stuck in the clouds all day long. You may struggle to get things done, and feel like you are wandering aimlessly through life. No fun
If your brain refuses to wake up these days, you are not alone. In fact, brain fog is an increasingly common complaint. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and low physical activity can all play a role in chronic brain fog.
What is the culprit of fuzzy, sluggish thinking? Let’s take a look at brain fog causes and how you can make brain-supportive lifestyle changes.
Information Overload
Problem: With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, your brain is bombarded with a large amount of information that can challenge your focus and clear thinking. We have a lot on our plates. Demands at work and home can be a main culprit of mental fatigue.
Solution: Take breaks throughout the day. Step away from your computer, phone, or whatever technology is demanding your attention. Take a 20 minute walk outside or a power nap. Find ways that work best for you to take a timeout from the daily stressors.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Problem: Too much computer time at work and plenty of TV time at home. Daily living often lacks the physical activity the brain needs for healthy oxygen flow and circulation. On top of that, when each day feels like we are going through the same old, monotonous routine, our brain gets bored.
Solution: It is important to challenge the brain by learning new skills and enjoying new experiences. Plus, set aside time to get moving throughout the day. If you have a desk job, set a timer to take walking breaks every hour. Love to binge on Netflix originals? Watch your favorite show while working out. Use resistance bands, weights, exercise ball, treadmill or whatever helps you get moving.
Food sensitivities
Problem: Food has a huge impact on brain health. If you eat a lot of processed foods, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, you may be causing more brain fog. Preservatives and chemicals in processed foods can significantly affect cognitive function. If you have food allergies to dairy or gluten, this can also impact your thinking.
Solution: Cut out the processed, premade foods. This can be difficult with our fast-paced lifestyles as many of us no longer have time to cook. Yet, it is imperative to make sure your diet includes essential nutrition, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, trace minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy green vegetables, lean protein, fish, beans, and more can be beneficial to healthy cognitive function. You can also add in brain-supportive supplements, including gingko biloba, DMAE, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and Bacopa Monnieri.
Chronic stress
Problem: The connection between brain fog and stress is real — especially when the stress is prolonged. Chronic stress can lead to memory, attention, and decision-making issues. Long-term stress can elevate the stress hormone, cortisol, which can cause many different health symptoms, including brain fog and a low mood.
Solution: Discover new ways to manage stress. It is incredibly difficult when you are dealing with chronic stress to find a way out of it. However, simple breathing and relaxation techniques, getting into nature, talking with a friend, and taking more time for self-care is important to alleviating brain fog and restoring more mental balance.
Toxic exposure
Problem: What toxins are in your environment? Household cleaning supplies, personal care products, and even electromagnetic fields (electrosmog) can also play a role in brain fog. Do you notice that sitting in front of a computer monitor or TV make you feel mentally exhausted? This could be why.
Solution: Swap out cleaning supplies and personal care products with more natural options that are free of harsh chemicals. Spend less time in front of monitors, or at least take a break from them every hour. Also, unplug devices when sleeping at night and try to limit the amount of electronic devices in your bedroom for more restorative sleep.
Kick brain fog to the curb for good
Take a quick look at your lifestyle and daily activities to see where adjustments can be made. You may want to start with prioritizing a healthy sleep routine and more movement throughout the day. Then, add in a few or all of these suggestions for optimal brain performance that can help restore and boost your daily productivity and vitality.
