Beating Brain Fog
I like how brainfog.net describes it: “A subjective haze surrounding your consciousness.” Sounds more like Dazed and Confused the 1993 coming-of-age classic than dazed and confused, a common ailment also referred to as cognitive dysfunction. We’ve all experienced it at one time or another: we’re tired, lethargic, sluggish in body and mind, and just seem to be in a fog, almost out of body if you will. This is NOT natural, nor is it a sign of aging or something that you must live with. Getting to the root of your brain fog experience can help you regain control over your wellness, and come fully into your vitality.
Brain fog comes in many shades and thicknesses. For the unyielding sufferer, getting to the root of the problem is imperative as it may be a symptom of something very serious and must be addressed with a holistically-minded doctor. But for the casual sufferer, who sometimes spaces out, perhaps around the same time each day (can we say afternoon slump?), bringing your lifestyle into balance can help you restore that clarity of mind. Here are a few tips that just might make all the difference.
Many brain foggers report a feeling of not being present, so consciously cultivating presence is a way to invoke mental clarity. Think about incorporating yoga or meditation into your life, or even better, both! Practices in mindfulness will also help with stress and worry which are often the culprits to begin with. Plus, a positive spiritual outlook is said to enhance mental performance.
Also, as is no surprise, pay attention to what you’re putting into your body. First off, don’t smoke! Avoid sugars, sugar substitutes and simple carbohydrates, opting for whole grains, healthy sources of protein (click here for 5 Sources of Vegetarian Protein). The brain actually needs healthy saturated fat for top-notch functioning; try incorporating organic virgin coconut oil into your diet for its myriad of health benefits. Also, be careful with caffeine and alcohol as they can disrupt your natural sleep cycle.
Exercise stimulates endorphins which can alleviate brain fog, but go beyond physical exercise and make it a habit to exercise your brain. Sign up for a class; perhaps Julia Roberts has you swooning over Italian and your local community college offers classes. Be social, engage in stimulating conversation beyond the mundane. Be creatively expressed. Just as any muscle in the body, the more you use your brain and in varied ways, the stronger and more resilient it will become.
image: Alex Campos
