Oops! Brain Fog Moment Last Week

Last week, I had a classic brain fog moment. I published a post on my blog for Pain Awareness Month and forgot to click the button that sends an email notification to subscribers. Oops!!

Maybe it’s because I hadn’t blogged for a while. Or perhaps it was because my pain was being nasty while I was writing. Or maybe it was good old brain fog. Actually, it was probably a combination of all three.

If you’d like to catch up on last week’s post
you can find it here:
Chronic Pain is Complex ~ Pain Awareness Month

Brain Fog Moments And Chronic Pain Go Together

Ironically, that post about the symptoms and side effects that come with chronic pain. And yes, having a brain fog moment definitely counts as one them.

But, even more ironically, I forgot to mention it!!

I wrote about the fatigue, anxiety, loneliness and so many other struggles, but, somehow, brain fog slipped my mind entirely. Hmm…I guess I can chalk that up to yet another brain fog moment.

Read more: Oops! Brain Fog Moment Last Week

I Tried to Write This Post And Brain Fog Struck Again

I sat down to write this blog post to explain about last week’s mistake, but the words just wouldn’t come. For about 40 minutes, I stared at my laptop. Nothing. I couldn’t concentrate. My brain had gone on strike. It just didn’t want to cooperate.

It was like my head was full of cotton wool – and nothing else.

Eventually, I shut down my laptop, took a rest and started afresh the next day.

Brain fog can hit at any time. Sometimes, it creeps in when I’m tired. Other times, I wake up with it already there. And then there are days when everything seems clear and I can stay really well focused – until, suddenly, it changes. I start to drift and the clarity fades away.

Brain fog moments are just part of my life. And if you live with a chronic health condition, they are most likely part of yours too.

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog often feels as though your brain has decided to take a wee snooze. It’s like fighting against the tide or wading through a pond full of thick, gooey treacle to get to the other side.

It’s not just normal tiredness – it’s fatigue. Mental fatigue. Imagine using dial-up internet while everyone around you is on superfast fibre broadband. It’s as though your brain is on a go-slow taking so much longer to process anything.

Concentrating becomes difficult. You might become forgetful. Someone might be talking to you but you can’t focus on what they are saying. You might lose your place mid-sentence, or struggle to think of words.

Brain fog is utterly draining.

What Causes Brain Fog?

Brain fog is usually a symptom of another condition, rather than a condition on its own.

Some common causes are:

• Health conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis
• Depression, stress or anxiety
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Medication side effects
• Poor sleep or tiredness
• Hormonal issues like the menopause, pregnancy, thyroid disorders or diabetes.
• Poor diet or skipping meals

In my case, it’s a mix of pain, medication side effects and tiredness. I also have a bad habit of trying to focus on too many things at once. When I do that, my brain tends to shut down.

Suggestions Which Might Help

Brain fog is extremely frustrating. But, there are ways to prevent it, or at least lessen its impact. Just like our bodies, our brains also get tired and need to be taken care of. They need rest, proper nourishment and care.

Here are a few ideas which might help:

• Prioritise good sleep habits – everyone needs good, quality sleep. This is especially important if you are living with a health condition. This post might help – 12 ways to improve your sleep)
• Feed your brain – try to avoid too much processed food. Berries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, eggs and oily fish are all thought to support brain function. This is an excellent leaflet about brain foods.
• Hydration – water, tea, coffee, herbal or fruit teas and diluted cordials are all good ways to stay hydrated. Try to limit sugary or highly caffeinated drinks, especially later in the day.
• Fresh air – my lovely Mum used to say, ‘go outside in the fresh air to blow away the cobwebs. Wise words – getting outside, even briefly, can really help to reset your mind.
• Exercise – exercise isn’t always easy, especially with health problems, but even gentle movement can help. A short walk or even gentle stretches might help.
• Medication side effects – If side effects are contributing to your brain fog, there might be ways to manage them. This post might help – Coping with side effects. However, if the side effects are too difficult to cope with, do talk to your doctor. A different medication may be more suitable for you.
• Look after your mental health. That might require speaking to your doctor or a counsellor. Or you might be able to practice some simple breathing techniques or mindfulness to alleviate stress.
• Talk to your doctor. If brain fog is making your life a misery, do speak to your doctor. They might want to run some tests to rule out causes like nutritional deficiencies or a hormonal imbalance.

I Need to Listen More

When it comes to my pain, I always say I need to listen to what my body is telling me. If I ignore it, things usually get worse. But if I pay attention, and do what my body is asking – rest, slow down, change direction – it often makes life a bit more bearable.

I should apply the same rule when I have a brain fog moment. When it hits, I need to pause, listen, and figure out what my mind needs in that moment. Maybe I need rest, a drink or some food. Or maybe I need less pressure and more patience..

If you’re dealing with those horrible brain fog moments too, I hope you can find ways to cope with them-ways that work for you. Be kind to your mind, and don’t be afraid to slow down when you need to.

And finally, if you missed it, please do take a look at last week’s post for Pain Awareness Month.
Chronic Pain is Complex ~ Pain Awareness Month

Thank you so much for reading.

If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
And feel free to share it with your friends or support groups.
Take care,
Liz.

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