Many of us have listened to friends and family complain about feeling confused, not being on top of their mental game, and seeming “a bit out of it” these days. Perhaps, at times, you have even felt challenged to form a cohesive sentence. None of this is at all surprising.
With Covid, our typical stimulations have been taken away, days are flowing together, and social isolation has led to lethargy and depression. Those who have lost loved ones have felt it even more keenly.
This feeling of brain fog is what those suffering from memory loss experience every day. The vital person they were has been gradually replaced by someone who cannot remember simple things at best, and family members or themselves at worst. While the world is beginning to see some light at the end of this horrible tunnel, it will be some time before things are back to normal. In the interim, there are many positive activities used in helping those with early-stage memory loss.
These same activities can help you lift the fog and get your brain back to its pre-COVID self:
Get outdoors Take a walk and listen to the birds or plant some flowers. Leave the phone at home – just focus on yourself and being part of nature.
Go to bed at the same time and sleep for eight to nine hours every night. Most of us do not get enough sleep. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to give your brain a chance to clean out toxins and build new connections.
Exercise builds healthy brains Walk, run, do yoga, do something! Regular exercise, even low-impact, benefits the mind just as much as it does the body. We know it’s hard – but get moving.
Find ways to take a break from stress Do whatever works for you to take a stress break – disconnect from the news, from family, from work, and just ‘be’ for a few minutes every day.
Eat well Just like exercise, eating well benefits the mind as well as the body. Be sure to make healthy choices and avoid processed foods.
Take a break from Zoom “I’m Zoomed out” has become the new buzz phrase. Sitting in front of the computer talking all day is exhausting! Try to schedule breaks between Zoom calls; if possible, stay off the computer at least one day a week.
Do something for yourself We all deserve a little TLC right now. Whether it’s reading a favorite book, taking a long bath, meditating, playing with the dog, or simply closing the bedroom door for a little ‘me’ time away from the family, take 20 to 30 minutes every single day to focus on yourself and your own well-being.
We must all take an active role in caring for our brain health, especially now. Take some positive steps today to lessen that fog. Your brain and your mental health will thank you for it!
Article provided by Sharp Again Naturally. To find the resources you need to help prevent and address memory loss, visit Sharpagain.org. Also inquire about their ten-week Sharp Again Small Group program.
Westchester Senior Voice is privileged to provide this content. Please share with friends, family and colleagues.
Latest posts by Westchester Senior Voice
(see all)
13 Jun 2021
0 Commentsbrain fog is real
Many of us have listened to friends and family complain about feeling confused, not being on top of their mental game, and seeming “a bit out of it” these days. Perhaps, at times, you have even felt challenged to form a cohesive sentence. None of this is at all surprising.
With Covid, our typical stimulations have been taken away, days are flowing together, and social isolation has led to lethargy and depression. Those who have lost loved ones have felt it even more keenly.
This feeling of brain fog is what those suffering from memory loss experience every day. The vital person they were has been gradually replaced by someone who cannot remember simple things at best, and family members or themselves at worst. While the world is beginning to see some light at the end of this horrible tunnel, it will be some time before things are back to normal. In the interim, there are many positive activities used in helping those with early-stage memory loss.
These same activities can help you lift the fog and get your brain back to its pre-COVID self:
Get outdoors Take a walk and listen to the birds or plant some flowers. Leave the phone at home – just focus on yourself and being part of nature.
Go to bed at the same time and sleep for eight to nine hours every night. Most of us do not get enough sleep. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to give your brain a chance to clean out toxins and build new connections.
Exercise builds healthy brains Walk, run, do yoga, do something! Regular exercise, even low-impact, benefits the mind just as much as it does the body. We know it’s hard – but get moving.
Find ways to take a break from stress Do whatever works for you to take a stress break – disconnect from the news, from family, from work, and just ‘be’ for a few minutes every day.
Eat well Just like exercise, eating well benefits the mind as well as the body. Be sure to make healthy choices and avoid processed foods.
Take a break from Zoom “I’m Zoomed out” has become the new buzz phrase. Sitting in front of the computer talking all day is exhausting! Try to schedule breaks between Zoom calls; if possible, stay off the computer at least one day a week.
Do something for yourself We all deserve a little TLC right now. Whether it’s reading a favorite book, taking a long bath, meditating, playing with the dog, or simply closing the bedroom door for a little ‘me’ time away from the family, take 20 to 30 minutes every single day to focus on yourself and your own well-being.
We must all take an active role in caring for our brain health, especially now. Take some positive steps today to lessen that fog. Your brain and your mental health will thank you for it!
Article provided by Sharp Again Naturally. To find the resources you need to help prevent and address memory loss, visit Sharpagain.org. Also inquire about their ten-week Sharp Again Small Group program.