Staying Sharp: 5 Strategies to Combat Brain Fog at Home
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Chapter 1 Understanding Brain Fog
As many continue to work remotely, the lack of stimulating experiences can leave our minds feeling sluggish. Cognitive neuroscientists emphasize the importance of variety to keep our brains engaged.
By Kelsie Sandoval
After more than a year of pandemic-induced remote work, countless individuals find themselves confined to the same desk and surrounded by the same environment. This repetitive routine, devoid of the usual external stimuli, has led many to experience memory lapses, attention deficits, and cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as brain fog.
According to London-based psychoanalyst Josh Cohen, brain fog manifests as an inability to complete tasks or a fleeting forgetfulness about ongoing activities. He notes that some clients even forget to initiate their scheduled therapy sessions on Zoom, despite it being a well-established routine.
Experts propose various theories regarding this cognitive sluggishness and suggest actionable strategies to mitigate and manage brain fog.
Section 1.1 The Rise of Brain Fog
Cohen attributes the surge in brain fog to the absence of stimulating daily interactions, such as grabbing a coffee, enjoying team lunches, or attending social gatherings, which all vanished with the onset of lockdowns. He likens this feeling to navigating a desert without a GPS.
Additionally, spending all day indoors limits our exposure to change. Cognitive neuroscience professor Catherine Loveday from the University of Westminster explains, “We’ve evolved to tune out when our environment remains constant, but we pay close attention when changes occur.”
Section 1.2 Strategies to Prevent Brain Fog
While remote work is unavoidable for many, experts recommend proactive measures to stave off brain fog:
Refresh Your Environment
“You don’t need to redecorate entirely—simply changing the artwork on your walls or rearranging items can provide a refreshing change,” advises Loveday.
Embrace Nature
Loveday also suggests relocating your workspace to different rooms or taking calls while strolling in the park. A new setting can boost alertness.
Go for a Tech-Free Run
Cohen recommends using this time to reflect on activities that stimulate your mind. Engaging in runs or walks without headphones can sharpen focus and awareness.
Schedule In-Person Meet-ups
Beyond physical activity, Cohen encourages meeting friends face-to-face to reconnect with pre-pandemic life and step away from screens.
Dive into a Good Book
If socializing or exercising isn’t appealing, Cohen suggests reading as a way to ignite creativity and imagination.
Chapter 2 Responding to Brain Fog
When you find yourself feeling disoriented or struggling to remember tasks, it may indicate the onset of brain fog.
It’s crucial not to push through these feelings, as brain fog signals the need for a break. Cohen compares brain fog to physical pain, suggesting that ignoring it may exacerbate the issue. “Just as you must listen to your body when it’s in pain, you should heed your mind’s signals,” he explains.
Determine whether a short break or a full day off is necessary to recharge your mental faculties.
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