We have all heard so many of our friends and family complaining about how they are becoming ‘brain numb’. Their heads are fuzzy, they’re finding it difficult to concentrate, and they sometimes feel challenged to form a cohesive sentence. Articles have even been written about it!
And it’s no wonder. Our typical stimulations have been taken away, days are flowing together, and for many, 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.
During Sharp Again Naturally’s virtual board meetings, we have talked a great deal about the impact of COVID on brain health, and its similarities to memory loss. 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, we wanted to share some positive activities used in helping those dealing with the early stages of memory loss. They 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 8-9 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 Zoom break.
“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, or 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 20-30 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!
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