It’s 2pm, and you’ve already loaded your body with a dangerous amount of caffeine – eight cups of coffee to be exact. You’re latest afternoon slump has left you feeling unfocused, drained, and unmotivated, and there’s simply no way you can tick another task off your to-do list.
If this sounds familiar, then you may have a serious case of brain fog. While having brain fog may be common, it doesn’t have to ruin your day.
What is brain fog:
There’s a big difference between rereading a sentence five times and feeling as if you can’t string five words together. It may be a common occurrence, but brain fog is often a sign that there’s an imbalance in your body. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that you can incorporate to help you fight off mental fatigue.
Get some rest:
Experts agree that getting a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, or nine hours when possible, is crucial to overcoming mental fatigue.
Exposure to blue light before bed is another contributing factor to diminished sleep quality, so make sure you put away your smartphone at least one hour before going to sleep. Although you may be getting enough sleep at night, your body may not be going through the full REM cycles. Track your sleep patterns with smartphone or apps such as Sleep Cycle or Relax Melodies.
Switch up your diet:
When our diets are out of balance, so are our bodies. Consuming foods that don’t adequately fuel our bodies may lead to various health-related problems. Incorporating whole foods, such as leafy greens, berries and foods that are high in omega-3 and fatty acids, are all great ways to keep the cogs in your brain spinning.
Get moving:
No one wants to go for a run after a long day of work, but according to experts, exercise causes the release of chemical messengers called cytokines which are responsible for releasing endorphins. Not only will you feel elated after your workout, but it helps to rejuvenate your brain.
Essential oils are life:
There are endless benefits to adding essential oils to your life, including improved sleep. Essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus oil help fight fatigue, while rosemary oil can help improve your memory and focus. Add a few drops to your diffuser or your skin and let the oils do their magic.
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