How to Clear Your Mind of Brain Fog

Isabella Boston
Feb 12
3 min read

Updated: Jun 25

Written by Isabella Boston, medical & writer

Health & Wellness Disclosure: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. To the best of my knowledge, all information and advice are believed to be accurate and true. Please consult with a health specialist, medical practitioner, or doctor before making any decisions that may impact your health or well-being.

Brain fog feels like a lack of mental clarity; it can affect your ability to focus and make it difficult for you to recall things. ~ Sabrina Romanoff, professor and clinical psychologist.

Has this ever happened to you?

You are nice and comfy on the couch watching television, and suddenly you remember you must go and grab something important from upstairs. You dash up the steps, turn the corner into your bedroom, only to find that you have forgotten what was so important in the first place.

Or…

You are in the middle of telling a story, a very good story, and suddenly your brain comes up blank, leaving you trailing off in mid-sentence and unable to finish what you were trying to say.

And let’s not leave this one out:

You look all over the house for your glasses, only to find that you are wearing them!

This, my friends, is called brain fog.

Even as I sit here writing this, I can’t help but laugh at all the times I, myself, have lived through the above scenarios. And “laugh” is just what many of us do, simply shaking it off as “old age”.

However, not all mental lapses are due to the aging of the mind.

Brain fog can happen to anyone and can also be a sign of a much bigger problem. But first, let’s discuss what brain fog is.

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is not a medical condition, but a term used to describe a group of neurological symptoms that can affect your memory and ability to think clearly.

Symptoms include:

· Short-term memory loss

· Trouble concentrating

· Behavior and mood changes

· Difficulty solving problems

· Trouble paying attention

· Headache

· Low energy and fatigue

· Low motivation

· Depression

What Causes Brain Fog?

Brain fog is linked to an individual’s lifestyle, which promotes hormonal imbalances and is made worse by stress. However, it can also be caused by certain health conditions.

Common causes:

Electromagnetic radiation from computers, cell phones, and tablets.
Stress - reduced blood flow to the brain, which can cause poor memory and cognitive function.
Brain inflammation (neuroinflammation).
Lack of sleep and exercise.
Diet - lack of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.
Toxins - Exposure to pollution, insecticides, and chemical substances.
Certain medications. Lowering your dosage or switching your medication may reduce brain fog.
Pregnancy.
Menopause.
Cancer or treatment of cancer, such as radiation.
Autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

The treatment of brain fog depends on the cause, and a modification to one’s lifestyle can also be helpful.

Things You Can Do to Improve Brain Fog

Increase your intake of protein, fruits, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Spend less time on electronic devices.
Exercise regularly, at least three times a week.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Eliminate and manage the stress in your life as much as possible.
Find enjoyable activities and hobbies.
Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep. Go to bed by 10 pm and no later than midnight.
Practice positive thinking. Mindset is everything.
Spend more time in nature.

Brain fog can be frustrating, but with just a few lifestyle changes, you can improve its symptoms and have a clearer mind.

Having a healthy and stress-free lifestyle can improve the symptoms of brain fog and lead to a longer and happier life.

References

1. Brain fog: Solutions to help you improve concentration. Bangkok Hospital. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/content/brain-fog-syndrome.

2. Higuera, V. (2022, April 29). Brain fog: 6 potential causes. Healthline. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog#diagnosis

3. WebMD. (n.d.). Reasons you may have Brain fog. WebMD. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-fog

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.

She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist and a published author.

When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys reading, vintage-style fashion, learning a new language, and spreading God’s Holy Word.

"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."