It’s not a recognised medical condition or scientific term, but brain fog is now as much a part of our lexicon as furlough and lockdown. And for largely the same reasons.

Short-term memory loss, poor concentration, an inability to focus and lack of mental clarity are classic symptoms. They’re also possible side effects of COVID-19 or Long COVID, with more and more people who’ve suffered from the pandemic reporting an ongoing problem with brain function.

Of course, other lifestyle factors, often associated with age can also make it seem like you’re sleepwalking through life. And over time it can impact your relationships and overall wellbeing. Clouded thinking can make even the simplest of tasks a challenge and day to day life a chore.

Be honest, how many times a week do you head upstairs to grab something and immediately forget what you’ve gone for? Or start writing a work email and lose track of its purpose? And how often have you parked your car in a multi-story and thought you’d never see it again? You’re not alone.

In fact, one in four people admit to suffering from the phenomenon at some stage in their lives.

But why? And what can you do about it? 

Are you suffering from stress?

Being a grown-up is hard work. And never more so than during a global pandemic. Stress creeps in when your body reacts to feeling under pressure. It’s a normal part of life for most people, but it can take its toll. Stress can raise your blood pressure, deplete your immune system and impair your brain function. A recent survey commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation found that more than 74% of UK adults have felt stressed to the point of overwhelm at some point.

Regular exercise can be a wonderful way to reduce stressJust taking a short walk each day can help clear your mind and get you back on track. Plan some ‘me time’ into your days, hang out with people that make you smile and ditch those unhealthy habits (you know the ones).

Maybe consider keeping a diary to see if something in your week triggers your stress levels.

Could it be down to poor sleep quality?

Lack of sleep, or lack of good sleep can contribute to brain fog. And the quality of your slumbers can have a huge impact on your mental acuity. The better the zzzzzzzs, the better the brain function.

Avoid caffeine after lunch and ditch that nightly glass of wine. Get to bed early and bag between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. Create a healthy bedtime routine and stick to it.

Using a pillow spray or essential oils such as lavender could help aid relaxation. Or implement recreational oxygen such as ClearO2 into your daily routine.

Is your diet letting you down?

How you fuel your brain and body matters. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy brain function and ensures you have the energy to power through your day.

Cut out processed food, red meat and fried items. Replace them with leafy greens, wholegrains, berries and nuts. And drink plenty of water!

Support sensible food choices with a daily vitamin to boost your intake, coupled with supplemental oxygen from ClearO2. When used every day, our customers notice a discernible difference in their mental acuity and brain function.

Perhaps take a moment to consider the cause of your brain fog too, put a plan in place to combat it and consider how ClearO2 could help improve your brain function.