Do you feel mentally exhausted and hazy? Are you struggling to concentrate or finding yourself forgetting things all the time? If so, you might be dealing with brain fog.
Brain fog is a common experience that we all have from time to time. But if it’s affecting your quality of life, it’s time to address the underlying problems.
Let’s look at 6 simple steps you can take to address your brain fog.
Drink some water
One of the most common causes of brain fog is simple dehydration. So, if you want your brain to feel clear and focused, make hydration your priority. Most people need between 1.5-3L of water per day, depending on their size, age and lifestyle.
If you find yourself feeling hazy or foggy, start with 1-2 cups of water. Even if it’s not the only cause of your symptoms, it will likely help to reduce them.
Eat a variety of fresh wholefoods
As the brain needs a variety of nutrients and antioxidants to function optimally, there is no one perfect food to help with brain fog. Instead, the goal is to eat a variety of fresh wholefoods. Wholefoods are packed full of nutrients that we need for a healthy brain and body.
Nutrient-dense wholefoods include:
If there are food groups that you can’t eat or choose not to eat, you may require a supplement to prevent deficiencies. Make sure you consult with a healthcare professional to decide if supplementation is right for you.
Get a good night of sleep
A good rest can help to prevent brain fog, but many of us suffer from poor-quality sleep. A few simple ways to improve your chance of a good sleep include:
What if you have a bad night of sleep? Try having a quick 15 nap in the afternoon – it might help to clear your mind.
Find a way to calm your stress
Unfortunately, we can’t avoid every source of stress in our lives. But we can work on managing it more effectively, so it is less likely to contribute to brain fog.
Find a way to unwind and manage your stress that works for you. It could be through physical activity such as gardening or yoga. If you prefer something calmer, deep breathing, meditation or gratitude could be a good fit. Even spending time with your loved ones or cuddling a pet can help to relieve stress naturally.
Did you know? Acupuncture can help to relieve stress and support the body’s production of feel-good endorphins. To learn more about acupuncture, click here.
Add some daily movement
If you’re feeling fuzzy, you might not feel like getting active. But by moving your body, you can boost the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This can help you feel more alert and less foggy.
A little bit goes a long way when it comes to movement and brain fog. Even a stretch on your break or a walk around the block can help clear out the mental cobwebs.
Seek professional support
Some causes of brain fog require attention from a healthcare professional, such as thyroid conditions or hormonal imbalances. Other simpler factors such as poor sleep and high stress can also benefit from additional support.
If it’s time to uncover the root cause of your brain fog, our naturopath Trish is here to help. Using holistic tools including diet and lifestyle, she can help to relieve your brain fog symptoms naturally. To book an appointment, call us on (07) 41522372