Clearing up brain fog

You head over to the living room to grab something - your backpack, the mail, a charger - but by the time you arrive, you can’t remember at all what you needed. Although it’s not a medical or scientific term, “brain fog” can happen to anyone, especially when you aren’t feeling rested, are stressed about a work or school project or have been dealing with an ongoing personal crisis. The pandemic has spurred these symptoms in many people as well.

Below some simple ways to deal with this frustrating phenomenon:

• Work on being mindful. The Mindfulness Toolkit offers a variety of resources to help you be aware and focused in the moment.

• Spend less time on screens. Take regular breaks from scrolling on your phone, working or gaming on your computer and binge watching television to rest both your eyes and your mind.

• Change your diet. Add in a new “brain food” each week, such as blueberries or broccoli. Start a regular salad-for-dinner night. Stop snacking at least two hours before bedtime.

• Get enough sleep. Check out the Sleep Fitness Toolkit to learn the 5 keys for getting better quantity and quality sleep.

• Move your body. The same endorphins that make your body feel healthy also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp. Start small and set attainable goals, like 20 minutes of walking every day, until it becomes a habit.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and drinking coffee in the afternoon.

A few tweaks to your everyday approach can help evaporate the fog, so you can walk into any room confident that you will remember why you are there.