![]() Everything was normal, yet his cognitive challenges remain. His doctor ran him through a checkup and a battery of tests. Recently I received an email from a man who described how he is still struggling with “cognitive challenges” since recovering from the virus in the spring of 2020. ![]() In each case you probably just waited to get back to normal, whether that meant recovering from your illness, adjusting to the new time zone, or waiting for the side effects of the medication to wear off.īut what if your thinking didn’t return to normal? What is COVID-19 brain fog? Or perhaps you took an antihistamine or another medication that made your thinking fuzzy for a few hours. Maybe you were jet-lagged and your thinking was sluggish because it felt like it was 2 AM. Perhaps you couldn’t think clearly when you were sick with the flu or another illness. We all experience this feeling from time to time. Brain fog is not a medical or scientific term it is used by individuals to describe how they feel when their thinking is sluggish, fuzzy, and not sharp. Let’s start by trying to understand brain fog. So I thought it was worth discussing exactly what COVID-19 brain fog is, and some things to do that might help clear it. Receive medical treatment: If you suspect your brain fog may be related to depression, a thyroid disorder, a nutrient deficiency, or any other medical condition, be sure to consult with a doctor or health professional right away.As a cognitive behavioral neurologist, I’ve been hearing from many individuals who are complaining of “brain fog” after infection with COVID-19.Avoid alcohol and drugs: These substances can impair your senses and adversely affect your brain.Follow a healthy diet: A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, can help with memory, cognition, and brain health.Exercise regularly: Staying physically active can improve your mental health.Try meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and relax your brain and body.For instance, if you have read an article, spend 10 minutes thinking about the article's contents. ![]() Engage in deep thought: Exercise your mind by spending a little time engaged in deep thought each day.Stay socially active: Participating in social activities can improve your mood, memory, and cognition.Then, work on completing that task, no matter how small. Focus your attention: If you get distracted by multiple things or lose focus, try to slow down and focus all your attention on one task.You can close your eyes, take a short walk, or look out your window. Take mental breaks: Make it a point to take a couple of mental breaks during the day, where you don’t think about anything and be in the moment.You can also try repetition for instance, if someone tells you their name, saying it back to them can help you remember it. For instance, rhymes, mnemonics, or visual or verbal cues can help you remember important things. Work on your memory: If you’re prone to forgetting things, try using different tricks to improve your memory.Instead, try focusing on one thing at a time. ![]() ![]() Avoid multitasking: Multitasking can drain your energy and lower your productivity, especially if you’re trying to do two activities that require conscious thought.This can help increase the production of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which stimulates the brain. For instance, take a different route to work, try a different approach to a task you do regularly, or listen to different music. Try new things: Keep your mind engaged with mentally stimulating activities and make an effort to try new things.Avoid using electronic devices like your mobile, laptop, or television before you go to sleep. Try to follow a fixed sleep schedule and make it a point to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Get enough sleep: Sleep is important for your brain and body to clear out unhealthy toxins that can contribute to brain fog. ![]()
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