One of the most frustrating symptoms of living with a chronic illness is brain fog. There are medications to treat many symptoms of chronic diseases, but sadly there isn’t yet a pill that takes away brain fog. However, there are ways to deal with it so patients can minimize its effects and lead a normal life.
We’ve put together a list of 10 ways to help manage brain fog, with help from princessinthetower.org, newlifeoutlook.com, and Web MD.
Write Things Down
Everyone forgets things now and then, but having brain fog often means forgetting important dates and occasions. Keep a to-do list and a calendar in a highly visible location, or use an online diary to keep track of what each day holds. There are many mobile apps that can also help with organization.
Exercise the Body
Exercise offers a chance to turn off from all the usual things that occupy the mind. It can also improve sleep, which can in turn improve cognitive skills.
Exercise the Mind
Take the time to do thought-challenging exercises like crossword, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles, or learn a new language. In addition, maintaining a hobby will keep the mind focused on something positive.
MORE: Vlogger shares how she manages fibromyalgia symptoms
Pick the Right Time of Day
Whether a morning lark or night owl, we all have certain times when we feel more alert. Choose a time each day when your concentration is at its highest to tackle difficult and complex tasks.
Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet
Eat lots of good fats known for brain health such as nuts, avocados, coconut oil, and omega-3-rich foods.
Get Plenty of Rest
Quality sleep and restorative naps (when appropriate) can dramatically improve cognitive health. Try to keep to a routine bedtime and waking time, even on the weekend, to promote a good sleep pattern.
MORE: Tips for managing joint stiffness in the morning.
Go Easy on Yourself
Don’t overdo it. Ask for help when needed and try to rest as much as possible to conserve energy. Participate in calming activities like taking a stroll through a peaceful spot, reading a book, or listening to music.
Organize Your Home and Workspace
Reorganize your living and working space so that everything you need regularly is easily accessible. This can help conserve energy and provide peace of mind.
Plan Ahead
If brain fog is worse first thing in the morning, laying out clothes the night before will be one less thing to have to stress over in the morning. Sort meds into a daily medication box so you know when you’re up to date and can easily make sure you haven’t forgotten to take them (or don’t take them more than once).
MORE: Six mammogram tips for fibromyalgia sufferers.
Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
I was diagnosed approx. 11 years ago with the Fibromyalgia Condition. I was recommended to take anti depressive medication. I’ve never suffered depression so refused. I work with Holistic Healing. To help with brain fog and also pain, I put the Oil of Frankincense all over my face and forehead. Frankincense is known to cross the blood brain barrier and there are many studies to show the benefits on how Frankincense will help balance your system. Make sure it is high quality. I also study Spanish Daily to keep my brain working and have signed up for another course this past week. I take many supplements including Magnesium, Selenium, and natural hormonal balance products. 11 years ago, I could not go up and down stairs and had difficulty walking. I’m not 100% my old self but have come a long way to being mobile. I hope this information will help someone else.
Thank you so much for sharing, Judy. Cheers for fighting FM and doing everything you can to be better. Very inspiring, you are doing it right. 🙂
Hi, I suffer with brain fog, it mainly manifest itself with me not being able to remember words, it makes conversations difficult at times, I am a voluntary tutor at my local hospital training people to self manage pain, I find that warning people when I meet them that I have brain fog and words sometimes escape me. The usual response is sympathy and identifying with the same problem. By getting it out in the open rather than trying to hide it helps. It seems that stress makes it worse, by removing the stress seems to have a marked effect on the degree to which it effects me. Just as a footnote I have been training people for 8ys. and brain fog is very common amongst those with fibromyalgia and long-term high grade pain. I think of myself now less of a sufferer and more of a member of a very exclusive club.
Great thinking, Robert. I believe that the more you say it, the less power it has over you. Keep fighting, you are not alone in this. 🙂