Mental Fogginess

[orangecat]

Hello all,

I find quite often that I have a sort of mental fogginess that can only be cured by taking a nap. The best way I can describe the feeling is that my thinking brain (forebrain) feels heavy like it has been replaced with a brick and I just have absolutely no ability to concentrate. I know this links directly with the fight or flight response but I don't really know any good strategies to calm myself from that. Napping isn't always feasible so other coping mechanisms would be of great use. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[Smushroom]

For me, trying to get the brain to work is what clears out the foggyness. I used to always need a nap to 're-set' the brain but only sometimes do I need to nap now.

I do this word association type of thing. It may sound silly but I will pick a word, any word. It could be something that i can see or it might be a word on a sign. Any word will do. For example, It might be 'sky'. I will then try and find a word that goes with 'sky'. For example 'blue' Then I will find a word that goes with 'blue'.

Not sure if that makes sense, but I will write it out, what I mean. I am having a foggy moment too, so may not be describing it properly.

Sky- Blue- Water-Drink-Mouth-Teeth-Dentist-Chair-Furniture-Table-Dinner-Food-Tomato-Red-Apple etc

Make sense? Probably not ha ha but I am off to do some more of this! It sometimes works for me anyway!

 

[Rumors]

Just wondering, but are you on any medications that could be perpetuating the fogginess? Or, once it arrives keep it lingering for a longer period? I dunno but I like to blame it on my allergy meds when I am that way. ;)

 

[Pencil]

Allergy meds especially would make you foggy. It's due to fogginess in general (all types of meds) that I steer clear.

 

[99Phoenix99]

I get that too. There are days where I just... I have difficulties.

Exercise seems to help me. Getting the blood pumping and the release of endorphins helps. If that doesn't work I try tetris , word searches, or memorization games. I'm currently learning the geography and all of the provinces in China. That way when things get cloudy I can list them off and mentally map the country at the same time. But even then it doesn't totally help.

I'll be interested to see what other people have to say too.

 

[orangecat]

Sorry for the delayed response but thank you all for your answers! I like the idea of doing some sort of mental activity like word association or puzzles. I'll have to try that next time I'm foggy. I'm not on any medications so that wouldn't be causing anything. Thanks again for the suggestions everyone! :)

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

To me, the mental fogginess is what frustrates me so much.

I try to remember to wash my face -- if walking my dog or doing some yoga doesn't help me. Sometimes doing a quick household task helps me "re-set." I have hardwood floors with a dog and four cats, so sometimes I sweep an area. Sometimes I did a small load of dishes, anything to help me see some "results" quickly that also gets me moving around.

Sometimes sucking on a peppermint helps.

I do often have to take a nap.

I'm glad you posted this topic because for me it's the most maddening thing.