So you’ve found the courage to consult your doctor about your brain fog, only to be told it isn’t a medical condition. But, the thing is, when you talk to your friends and colleagues about your trouble concentrating, your brain feels fuzzy, and sometimes you can’t remember the right words; they diagnose Brain Fog on the spot. The truth is, Brain Fog isn’t a medical condition on its own but rather a collection of symptoms and signs that all is not well and your body is crying out for help. With Brain Fog now recognised as a long-term effect of COVID-19, it is time to investigate your symptoms.
Brain Fog Unpacked
Finding a resolution for your brain fog symptoms should begin with discovering what we are talking about when we say brain fog. Brain fog is a complex set of signs that develop as a reaction to multiple, varied situations. You may have heard of some of the following –
- Baby brain
- Covid brain
- Chemo brain
- Chemo fog
- Cancer fog
- Mental fatigue
All of these ‘conditions’ are our bodies’ responses to an underlying issue that we need to understand better. Many of us have experienced intermittent brain fog as a response to being overtired. Brain fog from being overtired has a solution; it is not less important to address than any of the other causes of brain fog and needs to be taken seriously too.
Recognising Brain Fog Symptoms
With Brain fog, unlike over-tiredness, symptoms won’t magically go away after a good night’s sleep. They persist and occur regularly, affecting your quality of life, relationships, and mental health. So, what are the reported symptoms of brain fog?
- I can’t think straight
- I can’t concentrate
- My brain feels like jelly
- My memory is playing up
- Sometimes I can’t find the words to say what I want
- I’m tired all of the time
- My brain feels fuzzy
Brain fog can be severe and debilitating for some and mild for others. There is no one-size-fits-all brain fog, just as no single solution exists.
Five Tips to Kick Start Brain Fog Recovery
Exercise regularly to increase aerobic activity. Start small and try to increase it to around 30 minutes a day. This can be as easy as walking to school or work or parking the car a few streets over and walking the last 10 minutes each way.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs; give your brain a break from dealing with substances that can negatively impact it. Don’t stop prescription medication without your doctor’s advice.
Get a good amount of sleep each night to give your brain a chance to expel toxins and heal
Become more social. We are not designed to be isolated. Talking, socialising, laughing, and having fun are all healthy brain activities. Visit your hopes and dreams, use your imagination and smile.
Engage in simple activities that stimulate the brain. Crosswords, Wordsearch, Sudoku, Reading, Writing and Listening to music are all ways of stimulating your brain that can be done every day.
Bibliography:
Brennan, Dr Sabina. Beating Brain Fog: Your 30-Day Plan to Think Faster, Sharper, Better. Spring Publications, Incorporated, 2021.
Budson, Andrew E. “What is COVID-19 brain fog — and how can you clear it?” Harvard Health, 8 March 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-covid-19-brain-fog-and-how-can-you-clear-it-2021030822076. Accessed 19 March 2023.
Dow, Mike. The Brain Fog Fix: Reclaim Your Focus, Memory, and Joy in Just 3 Weeks. Hay House, 2016.
