How Do You Solve A Problem Like Brain Fog?

This week, I have continued to put myself through the gauntlet of what a normal work day would feel like and I continue to be successful.

Since I am not currently working, I am filling the hours that I would normally work with tasks like scanning and filing documents, sorting through papers that have been a mess since I got sick, reworking old processes that no longer work, and most importantly, continuing to try to improve my brain fog.

As I mentioned in previous posts, my brain fog has improved a lot from the earliest days of my sickness where I would occasionally blank on everything and struggled to put together sentences. But, I still have some problems with focus, memory, and recall.

Brain fog is very common amoung survivors. So far, the tips that seem to work the best are to do brain puzzles and take magnesium. I do both everyday.

I’m also still using the pacing method and taking periodic rest breaks. That also seems to help.

I also received a tip from a friend who also struggles with brain fog. He suggested that I try a certain type of coffee designed to help with focus. I honestly hate coffee. I’m definitely more of a tea person. But, I started experimenting with the coffee this week and it does seem to help a bit too.

I’m also practicing mindfulness, which I read somewhere might help. That has been a struggle, though. My thoughts race a lot faster than they used to.

Since these methods all help but none of them fully stop the brain fog, I have also started learning to adapt.

I write down or record almost everything.

I utilize speech to text a lot to help with the occasional problem I have with sometimes mixing up letters (I swear that I typed one letter and look back and see that it was something else).

I have also started writing down step-by-step instructions for myself on how I do practically everything. From the steps I take to get dressed in the morning, to how I read and save emails, to what I do before I go to bed. It’s been a laborious process. But, it has helped a lot.

I also have put myself back on a fairly rigid routine, which helps too. It helps me pick up where I left off if I forget.

It’s not perfect. But, it’s definitely a whole lot better. I feel more hopeful than I have felt in a long time. Better days truly are ahead.

#brainfog #pacing #recovery