Ways to Cure a Foggy Brain

We all get those days when your brain just flat out refuses to function.

Whether it’s due to tiredness, stress, hormones, or a combination of all three, sometimes it can feel like there’s a cloud over your head and you just know clarity/productivity is simply not going to happen.

There are a few ways I like to deal with this ‘foggy brain’ situation; most of which involve doing something physical/tactile, or attempting to stimulate the senses in some way to ground your mind back to Earth.

I personally find that things like reading, writing or watching movies don’t help at this time, because they’re doing the opposite of grounding you and bringing you to the present moment. Also, I generally don’t want to be around other people when I’m feeling like this either, so these are all solitary activities:

1. Exercise

More specifically, a really intense workout! I’ve definitely found going to my HIIT class helps if I’m feeling fogged up, but also at-home or gym workouts can be great for getting your brain to focus on something. Some of my favourite workout channels include:

Chloe Ting
Abby Pollock
Whitney Simmons

2. Making something with your hands

I recently found all my old jewellery making stuff in my cupboard so over the last week or so I’ve been making a few bracelets & anklets just to keep myself occupied and keep my hands busy. Physical tasks that require you to pay close attention are great for forcing your mind to concentrate and clear the fog!

3. Blasting out the music

NOT sad, slow or chill music. I mean, you can, but my preference for curing a fog is LOUD and/or heavier music that will definitely clear the space between the ears! Obviously not to the extent that I get a headache, but a little something to head-bang to a bit can go a long way. I’m loving Nothing But Thieves and Slaves for this purpose!

4. Go for a walk/hike

By far my favourite thing to do to clear a fogged up brain is to get myself outside. On this particular day I went for a hike along the coast between Porthtowan to Portreath… and yes it was definitely reflecting my mood! But the landscape was so epic I couldn’t help but be present and stand in awe at it. Obviously getting a bit of perspective can help with whatever is on your mind as well.

5. Cleaning & tidying

When I’m stressed and/or foggy, I do tend to go a bit tidying mad. Subconsciously I think having tidiness and clarity around me will help having a clear and tidy brain – and sometimes that does work. Sometimes it doesn’t quite have that effect, but at least I’ve done something productive with my time!

6. Sea swimming

I could just say swimming, as that’s a pretty good sensory experience in itself! But adding that outdoors (freezing cold!) element just makes it something else entirely. Ever heard of crazy entrepreneurs dunking themselves in ice baths to improve focus & productivity? Yeah it’s basically the same thing I’m pretty sure!

What do you do to cure a brain fog?

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