Brain fog is related to confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. Although mental fog is not itself a mental illness but it affects a person’s overall well being. Clouding of consciousness describes the ‘fog’ in the term ‘brain fog’. Due to this cloudiness you may feel not being mentally present or that much aware of your surroundings.
Symptoms
There are quite a few symptoms of mental fog. Each is discussed in detail below:
- Confusion: It is one of the major signs of brain fog. Constant confusion can lead to the development of many mental illnesses including mental fog.
- Forgetfulness: A person suffering from mental fog might forget some of their daily routine activities.
- Constant tiredness: Mental fog causes a person to feel really tired and fatigues for no apparent reason.
- Distractions: A person suffering from mental fog can easily be caught up in any distractions. It is harder to concentrate when you have mental fog.
- Lack of mental clarity: Mental fog causes a person to be lost in their thoughts. A person with cognitive impairment/mental fog thinks too much and therefore can’t focus much on their work or present tasks. It is safe to say that a person who has mental fog is usually overthinking and lacks focus for their routine chores or tasks.
Causes
As it is stated above that mental fog itself is not a mental illness. Though it affects numerous things on a person’s well being. Mental fog or brain fog can be caused by other mental health disorders. There are many mental disorders which can lead up to the development of mental fog.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post traumatic stress disorder or any anxiety related disorders can eventually be a main cause to the outcome of developing mental fog in a person.
- Normal Anxiety: Constant anxiety can affect the a person in a way that they can be developing mental fog or cognitive dysfunctions.
- Depression: Depression is also one of the mental disorders which can cause mental fog. It is because depression on a long run can affect the brain badly and all of that would eventually lead up to the development of mental fog.
Although brain fog is not only caused by mental disorders. Mental fog can also be triggered by some physical health issues. Corona Virus (COVID-19) being a major disease which can also lead to brain fog.
What does brain fog feel like?
Brain fog can be described as having no mental clarity and lacking focus. Individuals with mental fog are often feeling mentally drained and lack the ability to fully concentrate or focus on something. These individuals suffering from mental fog are always lost in their own train of thoughts. Brain fog also reduces a person’s cognitive functioning eventually leading on to cognitive impairment or mental fog.
How do I get rid of brain fog?
Brain fog can be treated or prevented by following a few tips:
1. Reduce stress as much as possible, always have a positive mindset. Being positive affects the brain by a lot.
2. Having regular sleep for e.g. 8-9 hours a day can also decrease the chances of developing brain fog. Sleep can also be used as a treatment for those who are already suffering from brain fog.
3. Eat a healthier diet, containing all the fruits, vegetables, fibers and nutrients which are essential for an individual. Eating carefully and healthily can make an immediate difference to your mental as well as physical health.
4. Avoid the use of substances like alcohol or any other addictive drugs. Smoking should also not be done to prevent or treat mental fog.
5. Decrease your screen time. Don’t use laptops, computers, tabs or mobile phones too much and take breaks to keep your mind fresh.
What is the biggest cause of brain fog?
Stress, regardless of sleep deprivation, and excessive exertion may contribute to mental fog. Chronic brain fog could indicate or be a symptom of a number of illnesses, including illnesses such as Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and Corona Virus (COVID-19.)
How do you check for brain fog?
Thought disorientation is a common sign of brain fog, if you find yourself constantly losing your train of thought or forgetting what you’re doing, you may be experiencing confusion. It might also make you stumble over your words, lose your way, or have trouble managing your schedule.
What foods cause brain fog?
Try your hardest not to eat these meals on a daily basis.
Sweetened beverages.
Sugar content is high in soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and certain fruit juices.
refined carbohydrates.
Refined carbohydrates convert to sugar and result in the same problems as previously stated.
Alcohol.
Trans fats.
Can dehydration cause brain fog?
Adequate hydration leads to clearer thinking and improved mood, as well as improved concentration, focus, and memory. Conversely, dehydration has a host of negative effects of its own, such as diminished mental acuity, heightened anxiety, and, of course, brain fog.