The best way to overcome brain fog is to understand the cause. The condition isn’t new. However, it gained attention in the post-lockdown era. Individuals continue reporting trouble concentrating.
Even though it seems benign, individuals experiencing the condition should take it seriously. Sometimes minor signs indicate that something else is going on in the body.
To self-diagnose the fog, pay attention to how long it takes to complete daily tasks, such as preparing lunch for the kids or paying your bills. You know how long it took you to complete the tasks before 2020. Now, time yourself. If they take longer, consider making an appointment with your primary care physician.
If the condition feels too debilitating, avoid operating heavy machinery or driving. The last thing that you want is to hurt yourself.
The following are seven solutions to help you improve concentration amid brain fog.
1. Sleep Enough
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of sleeping between seven to nine hours daily. Your body rests and recharges during these hours. Your breath slows down, blood flows unimpeded, and your brain receives essential rest.
When your brain starts running on empty, it impacts your cognitive abilities. You also have more trouble concentrating, driving, and performing at work.
In the worst-case scenario, lack of sleep can lead to wrongful death. Then, your family needs to get in touch with legal professionals.
Sleeping is an enjoyable activity. Don’t deny yourself this pleasure that also improves your concentration.
2. Assess Your Diet
Diet also impacts the body. Consuming fruits, vegetables, and protein nourishes your brain, muscles, and skin.
Moreover, you should eat three meals a day.
Foods that improve alertness include:
- Fatty fish
- Nuts
- Leafy green vegetables
- Berries
- Coffee
Have fun optimizing your diet. Look for recipes that dress up the above ingredients, such as salads. If you don’t have enough time to cook, sign up for a meal service.
Another option is to start juicing and rounding out the diet with prepared meals.
3. Engage in Daily Physical Activity
Medical professionals believe everyone should participate in 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
Exercise helps your blood and oxygen flow better throughout your body. It also optimizes the amount that the brain receives. Lack of either causes the brain to run sluggish and could contribute to the fog.
Walking 30 minutes daily is a great start. Then, round out the cardio with resistance training. Strengthening your muscles contributes to a healthy body and brain.
You’ll feel better and find that concentrating becomes easier.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Staying away from habits that hinder concentration is another way to improve it. Anything chemicals that you consume will impact your concentration. In addition, alcohol and drugs will deteriorate it.
Therefore, assess your habits. If you smoke, ingest drugs, or drink alcohol and your concentration is lackluster, it’s time to make a choice.
The good news is that plenty of help exists for individuals who want help. For example, you can contact a national helpline.
5. See Your Primary Care Physician
All individuals benefit from scheduling an annual checkup with their primary care physician. The appointment is your opportunity to discuss discomfort and your lack of focus.
In 2022, more doctors continue using blood tests to assess their patients before they see them. Doctors can see many things through the blood, such as the development of diabetes and high cholesterol.
Since the body is a complicated piece of work, one thing can impact another. Your lack of focus might be a result of something more serious.
6. Check Your Prescriptions
Medical prescriptions can also impact your ability to focus since every prescription has side effects. The same is true for over-the-counter medicine.
Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your condition. If the medical professional finds that the medications have adverse effects, they can change the dose.
Moreover, they can explore other solutions for your medical situation.
7. Limit Your Tech Time
Electronic devices have become a double-edged sword. They help productivity, but they also have adverse effects. Researchers have found that the blue light emitted by the devices can impact sleep patterns and focus.
Therefore, take inventory of the amount of time you spend on them. Then, cut it down. If you experience a positive change, you found a solution.
Conclusion
An array of circumstances might impact your ability to concentrate. Therefore, assess your habits, diet, and amount of sleep you obtain daily. One of those habits might be the culprit, or it might be something more serious. Nonetheless, start adopting positive habits to see if your condition improves. Otherwise, it’s time to see your doctor.