According to the latest data from the United Nations, nearly one billion people have a mental disorder. Along with this, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain conditions like anxiety and depression went up by 25%.
So, if you are living with a mental disorder, you are certainly not alone. Brain fog is one of the most common mental conditions, and it is also linked to the coronavirus. Though, brain fog can occur for a whole host of reasons.
If you’re experiencing this, you know how much it can impact your quality of life. While learning how to treat brain fog takes a few steps, it isn’t impossible.
To get started, read our guide below.
Symptoms of Brain Fog
If you have brain fog, your head probably feels like it’s fuzzy, as if it is clouded in a way that you cannot control. This cloud in your brain makes it difficult to think, concentrate, make decisions, and stay awake.
Brain fog can also affect your memory, making it difficult to retain information and recall specific details. Because of this, having brain fog can negatively impact your work and relationships, preventing you from achieving your goals.
While this is a concerning condition, with a little lifestyle change, you should be able to get your brain back on track.
Causes of Brain Fog
There are many different common causes of brain fog, some having to do with lifestyle changes, while others concern certain medical conditions.
To know how to clear your mind of this, you must first understand the main factors involved that are causing it.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can occur during specific times in your life, such as throughout pregnancy, menopause, and when changes occur in your environment or lifestyle.
When this happens, your brain can get fuzzy, making you experience this foggy feeling.
If this is the culprit, visiting your doctor and getting bloodwork done can give you answers. Thyroid disease can also contribute to hormonal imbalance if the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little of the thyroid hormone.
Undergoing hormone therapy can help your body get back in balance, most likely relieving you of the brain fog.more interesting information about gold’s gym membership cost, gold’s gym prices.
Irregular Sleep
Poor sleep hygiene is one of the most common causes of brain fog. If you don’t go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, your irregular sleep pattern may lead to this fuzzy brain feeling.
Staying up late and waking up early disrupts your body’s circadian rhythm, preventing you from reaching REM sleep. This is essential for your brain to detoxify and process memories.
If your body does reach REM, waking up early while you’re in REM sleep can cause you to feel foggy throughout your day.
Diet Deficiencies
If you are not eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, you may not be receiving all of the nutrients your body needs.
This could lead to you being deficient in vitamin B12, which is in charge of maintaining your central nervous system and forming new red blood cells. If you’re not getting enough of it, you will feel an overall feeling of fatigue. A deficiency in vitamin D is also known to cause brain fog.
Chronic Stress
When you are stressed for long periods of time, your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released in your body to target a specific stressor, taking this energy away from your brain’s usual functions.
Your brain gets exhausted just as much as your body does, which can cause a feeling of constant brain fog.
Medications
Some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, list brain fog as a potential side effect. While this is often thought to be normal, if this happens to you, tell your doctor and ask for an alternative.
You shouldn’t have to compromise your brain health to solve other health issues.
Depression
Depression and anxiety are known to impair cognitive function and memory. They can also drain your body of energy and motivation, further contributing to brain fog.
How to Treat Brain Fog
Now it’s time to learn how to improve concentration, ridding your brain of this foggy feeling. Once you pinpoint the cause, it’s time to take action.
Intermittent Fasting
Allowing your digestive system time to rest in between meals can help improve cognitive function and promote neurological health.
If you can extend the time between your last meal of the day to the first meal of the next day, ideally for 12 hours, your body undergoes a process called ketogenesis. This helps to stimulate brain regeneration, helping you to have a sharper and quicker mind.
Exercise
It’s true; exercise stimulates your brain and improves memory function. Populations that are more sedentary have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
When you exercise, endorphins and cytokines are released, which help rejuvenate the brain. Doing something as simple as going on a daily walk or having a dance party can do this for you, so try to find something that you enjoy and can do consistently.
Better Sleep Hygiene
Try to create a regular sleep schedule, going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Any more or less can reduce your brain’s cognitive function.
Create a nighttime routine that promotes sleep and does not include any blue light. Have a cup of tea, read a book, and get in bed at least a half hour before you’re ready to sleep.
Stress Reduction
Reducing stress is easier said than done, but it is essential for your brain and body’s health. If you have a stressful job or life in general, find moments throughout the day that you can take just for yourself.
Take a walk, listen to some music, meditate, do yoga, or simply close your eyes and breathe every so often. The more relaxed you are, the better your brain will function.
Improved Nutrition
Because your brain is made up mostly of water, protein, and fat, you want to focus on getting a good amount of these in your diet. Focus on plant-based and whole foods.
Reduce your sugar intake and up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also add brain health supplements to your diet, such as capsules of CBD or Bright Brain Nootropics.
Your Guide to a Clearer Mind
Learning how to treat brain fog is a process, and it can be frustrating in the beginning. Take a step back and look at how you’re living your life. If you think certain aspects may be contributing to it, try to make some changes and see what happens as a result.
At the start, you should also make an appointment with your doctor, as they may be able to run some tests and give you immediate answers.
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