Have you ever felt like your brain just isn’t working the way it used to? Maybe you forget things more often, can’t focus, or feel like your thoughts are moving through molasses. If so, you might be experiencing something called brain fog.

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog isn’t a medical term, but it’s something many people feel. It can include:

• Trouble thinking clearly
• Forgetting things
• Feeling confused or “off”
• Struggling to pay attention

Brain fog often happens after being sick—especially after COVID-19—or during times of stress, poor sleep, hormonal changes, or even certain medical treatments.

What Causes Brain Fog?

Experts think brain fog may be caused by inflammation in the brain. This can happen after an illness like COVID-19, or from long-term stress, poor sleep, or autoimmune issues. Some people may even feel brain fog for months after being sick, such as with a condition known as long COVID.

How to Feel Better

Good news: there are things that can help!

🌿 Healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough can improve brain function.

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness and breathing exercises may help calm your brain and reduce stress.

💡 Some new treatments like oxygen therapy and non-invasive brain stimulation are also showing promise in helping with brain fog caused by long COVID.

If brain fog is affecting your daily life, talk to a healthcare provider. There may be steps you can take to feel clearer and more focused again.

Sources

Gorenshtein, A., Liba, T., Leibovitch, L., Stern, S., & Stern, Y. (2024). Intervention modalities for brain fog caused by long-COVID: Systematic review of the literature. Neurological Sciences, 45(7), 2951-2968. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-024-07566-w 

Kverno, K. (2021). Brain fog: A bit of clarity regarding etiology, prognosis, and treatment. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 59(11), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20211013-01 

McWhirter, L., Smyth, H., Hoeritzauer, I., Couturier, A., Stone, J., Carson, A. J. (2022). What is brain fog? Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 94(4), 321-325. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2022-329683