9 Ways to Manage Brain Fog

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by Wendy Henderson |

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One of the most frustrating symptoms of living with a chronic illness is brain fog. There are medications to treat many symptoms of chronic diseases, but sadly there isn’t yet a pill that takes away brain fog. However, there are ways to deal with it so patients canĀ minimize its effectsĀ and lead a normal life.

We’ve put togetherĀ a list of 10Ā ways to help manage brain fog, with helpĀ from princessinthetower.org, newlifeoutlook.com, and Web MD.

Write Things Down
Everyone forgets things now and then, but having brain fog oftenĀ means forgettingĀ important dates and occasions. Keep a to-do list and a calendar in a highly visible location, or use an online diary to keep track of what each day holds. There are many mobile apps that can also help with organization.

Exercise the Body
Exercise offersĀ aĀ chance to turnĀ off from all the usual things that occupy the mind.Ā It can also improve sleep, which can in turn improve cognitive skills.

Exercise theĀ Mind
Take the time to do thought-challenging exercises likeĀ crossword, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles, or learn a new language. In addition, maintainingĀ a hobby willĀ keep the mindĀ focused on something positive.

MORE:Ā Seven things people with MS want others to know about their disease.

Pick the RightĀ Time of Day
Whether a morning lark or night owl, we all have certain timesĀ when we feel more alert.Ā Choose a time each day when your concentration is at its highest to tackle difficult and complex tasks.

Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet
EatĀ lots of good fats known for brain health such as nuts, avocados, coconut oil, and omega-3-rich foods.

Get Plenty of Rest
Quality sleep and restorative naps (when appropriate) can dramatically improve cognitive health. Try to keep to a routine bedtime and waking time, even on the weekend, to promote a good sleep pattern.

MORE:Ā Six resources that will make living with MS a little bit easier.

Go Easy on Yourself
Don’t overdo it. Ask for help when neededĀ and try to rest as much as possible to conserve energy. Participate inĀ calming activitiesĀ like taking a stroll through a peaceful spot, reading a book, or listening to music.

Organize Your Home and Workspace
Reorganize yourĀ living and working space so that everything you need regularly is easily accessible. This can help conserve energy and provideĀ peace of mind.

Plan Ahead
If brain fog is worse first thing in the morning, laying outĀ clothes the night before will be one less thing to have to stress over in the morning. Sort meds into a daily medication box so you know whenĀ you’re up to date and can easily make sure you haven’t forgotten to take them (or don’t take them more than once).

MORE:Ā What is brain fog?

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