Has Brain Fog Left you Dazed and Confused?
Has Brain Fog Left you Dazed and Confused?
Many patients who suffer from Fibromyalgia experience cognitive problems (often called “brain fog” or “fibro fog”) that leave them distressed, forgetful, and confused, as well as making it difficult to concentrate or speak clearly and concisely. While there appear to be numerous causes, here are a few tips that will help you get through those moments of “fog”.
1. Use Lists as Reminders
Lists act as reminders of your daily tasks and items you want to accomplish for the day. Place Post-it® notes in places that will help jog your memory, or near common areas that you visit.
2. Avoid Multi-Tasking
Often even people without Fibromyalgia experience forgetfulness when they are trying to do more than one thing at a time. Take the time to do one thing to its completion before starting something else. Multi-tasking only causes more confusion and will keep you from finishing your original tasks.
3. Avoid Over-Stimulation
If you are sensitive to noise, light or to sensory input coming from more than one source at the same time, limit the noise or light by moving to a quiet place and avoiding distractions.
4. Organize and De-Clutter
If you feel overwhelmed in your environment or your house is cluttered and is causing you even more confusion, ask a friend or family member to come help you get organized. This will help you put some stability and organization back in your life.
5. Use Routines
Everyone says routines can be boring; however, for people who suffer from brain fog routines can be an excellent source for remembering the basic things of life. If you are always forgetting where your car keys or purse are, start a routine of putting them in one location near the door, so you know each day where they will be when you are ready to leave the house.
6. Pick Your Best Time of Day
Most of us have better and worse times of the day. Do the tasks that require concentration and mental clarity during the hours you are sharpest. The best time of day varies from person to person.
7. Postpone or Cancel Activities
If you’re not thinking clearly, postpone jobs that are mentally challenging, switch to a simpler task, or take a break and pick up the other tasks at a later time when you’re mentally more alert.
8. Improve Your Sleep
Many problems associated with brain fog can be ascribed to sleep deprivation. Getting restorative sleep can help limit cognitive problems. Eight to nine hours per night is optimal, so if you struggle with sleep there are many alternative and natural products that can help you.
9. Limit 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 control the production of adrenaline. Exercise, yoga and breathing exercises are just some of the many options available that will help eliminate and control stress.
10. Plan Your Response
Brain fog is confusing, and can leave sufferers feeling scared and uncertain of their own mental capabilities. To be mentally sound, plan your response ahead of time by developing rules to guide you when you are feeling lost. This plan will provide a standard and habitual response that is safe, and something you can rely on when you’re feeling confused. For example, you might decide that you will respond to severe fog by lying down or by changing to a simpler task.
If you are ready to take the first step to feeling better and taking your life back, visit Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers Inc. today and sign up for our free newsletter with the latest news on the treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and tips on how you can get on the path to healing today.
Posted on December 6th, 2008 by cher
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