Experts reveal how to deal with brain fog

Brain fog can affect everyone and can be hard to shake. It can be brought on by many factors, including overwork, stress and tiredness. It can make it hard to concentrate and leave you unmotivated, but luckily the experts say there are things you can do to reduce it.

It can’t be stressed enough just how important it is to take care of your mental and physical health—especially right now—whether that's journaling your feelings or finding crystals for anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown our normal daily routines out of the window, left us stressed and often suffering from brain fog. 

Following recent research on brain fog by AudleyVillages , neuro-linguistics coach Rebecca Lockwood explained to us what brain fog is and how to reduce its effects. 

• Can coffee impact your brain health? A new study investigates
• Generation stress is a thing—and it’s nothing to be ashamed of
• Best meditation apps: download these to de-stress fast

What is brain fog? 

Brain fog can stem from when you’re unfocused and constantly in your head, worrying and overthinking. This can leave your brain feeling foggy and make it really hard to concentrate.

Rebecca says: “It can also leave you feeling as though making the smallest of decisions is hard, can cause headaches and heightened stress and anxiety levels.” 

Brain fog can make everyday tasks feel impossible to complete or leave you feeling constantly burnt out. It can make you feel low, anxious and like you can’t be productive in anything you do. But thankfully, Rebecca has some helpful tips to reduce the effects.

Take breaks 

Taking frequent breaks is the real key to tackling brain fog, whether you’re in the office, working from home or studying. Moving around and taking coffee breaks will help break up your time and stop you from feeling unmotivated, and burnt out.

Rebecca says not to push yourself. “If you are feeling like you need a time out, then take one. Have no expectations of yourself and what you should be doing and allow yourself to honor the feelings you have.”

Limit that screen time

In the 21st century, this is easier said than done. We have mini screens in the palms of our hands, and Netflix is always too tempting. But while it might seem like you’re relaxing in front of the TV, it’s still stimulating your eyes and making you concentrate intensely on one thing.

Rebecca says this is called foveal vision, which can make you feel stressed and cause you to feel less motivated to do anything else. 

So if you’re feeling like you really can’t think straight, turn off your screens, put your laptop away and try to relax without it—we recommend taking some time to meditate or doing some gentle yoga, even a nice bubble bath would do the job.

Say goodbye to distractions 

We love TikTok and Instagram, but the temptation to scroll social media can be too great. If you can’t concentrate, eliminating things around you that distract you is a game-changer. If it’s not in sight—you won’t reach for it. 

Now we’re not saying to stop using your phone, because what kind of life would that be? But if you have a task that you need to complete, try leaving all distractions in a completely separate room or put them away out of sight.

Water, sleep, repeat

The most overused wellbeing advice ever, but for brain fog it really helps. Brain fog can often be caused by being overtired, so it’s important to get the recommended hours of sleep (between seven and nine).

Keeping your body hydrated throughout the day will also help you feel more energetic and fresh.

Diet is key

Your diet can be a huge factor in how you’re feeling. Nutritionist Ellie Busby says to make sure you’re getting enough iron in your diet, drinking plenty of water and getting brain nutrients. Not eating a balanced diet can leave you feeling low and lethargic. 

Relax 

One of the most important tips is to try your best to unwind and relax. If your brain fog is being caused by stress or anxiety, it's important to take time for yourself. Whether it’s doing yoga, reading or just throwing on your PJs and getting cozy. 

So take care of yourself and maybe treat yourself to a much-needed self-care day—or three.