Brain Fog & Anxiety
Do you ever feel like you can't think straight? Do you feel like your mind is cloudy and foggy? If so, you may be experiencing brain fog, which feels just like how it sounds!
Brain fog is a common symptom of anxiety and can make it difficult to concentrate or focus on anything. It's often described as a feeling of mental confusion or being "in a haze." People with brain fog may find it difficult to think, make decisions, and remember things, which can be extremely frustrating and debilitating!
If you are struggling with brain fog, don't worry - you are not alone. Today we’re going to discuss what brain fog is, how it relates to anxiety and some strategies for overcoming it.
What is brain fog?
Brain fog is a term that describes the feeling of mental confusion or "foggy thinking”.
Brain fog is not a medical condition by itself, although it might be a sign of several mental health issues, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It can also be caused by temporary factors like sleep deprivation, dehydration, diet, hormone changes, stress, and medication side effects.
Brain fog is a symptom that occurs when your brain lacks clarity, leaving you spaced out or unable to think clearly. Basically, brain fog makes everything you do ten times more challenging.
Can you recall the last time you were trying to hold a conversation with a colleague, but you felt like you weren't all there? Despite your best intentions to be a good listener, you didn't remember much except for how embarrassing it was when you couldn't recall the word "PowerPoint”. So you proceeded to describe it as "you know! that thing we watch in meetings with all the slides".
Instances like these might happen to you often if you struggle with brain fog because it affects your focus, memory, and even your ability to recall words.
How does brain fog relate to anxiety?
Brain fog may be caused by stress, worry, and rumination for people with anxiety. Our minds are constantly going when we worry, and we can't seem to focus on anything else. This leaves little room for clear thinking or decision-making, leading to that sense of mental confusion.
Over time, your difficult experiences with losing your train of thought or completing tasks can negatively affect your confidence, leading to greater anxiety and even depression. It may cause you to avoid certain challenges, work-related or social situations, or even everyday tasks - basically anything that requires you to think or be coherent.
How can I overcome brain fog?
Many different strategies can help you overcome brain fog. Here are a few of my favorites:
Start with the basics: Do your best to stick to a sleep schedule and stay well-hydrated.
Address any nutritional deficiencies and consider supplements: Vitamin B-12 and Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve your cognitive function.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a great way to focus on the present moment. It can be helpful to practice mindfulness meditation or yoga to help clear the mind and reduce any stress.
Exercise: Exercise is a great way to help clear out some of the fog that's floating around in your mind. It also releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood, energy levels, and brain health.
Write down your to-do's: When we feel overwhelmed and confused, it can be helpful to take some time to write down everything we need to do. You may not feel like you have much going on up there for a brain dump, but this will help you focus and prioritize your tasks.
Take a break (or a nap): When we're feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a break and relax for a few minutes. This will help clear our minds and make it easier to focus when we get back to it.
If you find that none of these are helping adequately or you're struggling to implement lifestyle changes, you can always talk to a therapist who can help you get to the root of your brain fog. They can provide additional support and guidance in managing this symptom so you can get to feeling your best and brightest!
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own attorney, accountant, physician, or financial advisor. Always check with your own physician, attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other business or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
