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Other Fog Busters

Use these additional strategies to control cognitive problems.

 

Do Something Physical 

Physical activity can increase energy and clear your mind. Activity includes exercise, laughing, singing and deep breathing. For some people, fog may be triggered by lack of nutrition. For them, eating counteracts mental fuzziness.
 
Plan Your Response 

Deal with the fact that brain fog is confusing by planning your response ahead of time. For example, you might decide to respond to fog by lying down or by switching to a less demanding task. Over time, you will create a new habit, making your response to fog automatic.
 
Control Stress 

Stress can trigger or intensify brain fog. You can reduce fog by avoiding stressful situations, by learning how to relax in response to stress and by training yourself to mute the production of adrenaline. 

For more, see the discussion of stress on this site and the articles on stress management on the self-help program website.
 
Do a Medication Check 

Medications are a major cause of fog. If you find that a prescription drug increases your fog, consider talking to your doctor about adjusting the dosage levels or changing to a different medication. Also, discuss with your doctor the use of medications to increase attention and concentration.

The goal with drugs is to use the fewest drugs at the lowest effective doses. Part of drug therapy is to challenge medications from time to time by suspending their use. If you're interested, discuss this with your doctor.
 
Reframe Your Thoughts 

Brain fog can be frightening and embarrassing, but you can learn to speak reassuringly to yourself and to others when you feel a lack of mental clarity. Also, if you feel anxious just thinking about something you have to do, try slowing down, for example by focusing on your breathing for a minute or so.

For more on reframing, see the discussion of reframing on the page about Guilt and the section on reframing in the article How I Created a Good Life with Fibromyalgia.