> [!waypoints] [[IRL Blog Home]] | [[IRL - Emerging from the Fog]] # What Helps to Clear Brain Fog Published: 17 October 2025 Tags: #brainfog, #symptoms, #IRL There are so many causes of brain fog. But I've noticed that they fall into one of three broad categories: inflammation somewhere in the body, a disturbance of the chemistry of the body or some problem with circulation to the brain. To be honest, I didn't think to see my GP about my brain fog. I'm so used to being like this when it's a particular time of the month or I've had interrupted sleep for a few consecutive nights, or I've eaten something that's caused inflammation. Because I'd decided this time around that it was inflammation from eating out too much, I balanced it with anti-inflammatory foods (mostly fresh fruit & vegetables) and herbal tonics. That helped a bit. If it had been hormonal, I would've done some extra qigong. I find it helps reduce my symptoms around that time of the month. The gentle movements release tension in my back, shoulders and neck, which improve circulation to my brain. But the most effective strategy that works for me at any time is: Naps. I schedule in naps before and after any activity that requires me to think. Naps also reduce my sleep debt and they're great for making me slow down and prioritise what I spend my limited capacity doing. What doesn't work for me is pushing myself to get things done. The effort of trying to think when I can't usually results in me making bad decisions later on (such as staying up too late), as well as being less efficient and more error prone. I lose time and energy trying to fix problems that a timely nap would've prevented. Over time, I've learnt to use my phone calendar to remind myself of important appointments. I've created systems to help me recall important information. And most importantly, I've learnt to be kinder and more forgiving towards myself when my brain is lost in the mist for a while. Oh, and I will mention my brain fog to my GP when I see her next week. *(I wrote this up in August 2025, straight after [[IRL - Emerging from the Fog]], but forgot to post it until October 2025.)* --- >[!note] Before you click off this page, a couple of notes: >The article above describes one of my personal experiences recovering from Long COVID. It's not intended to imply or prescribe a treatment for it. > >My intention in sharing my experience is let readers with similar symptoms know that recovery is possible and maybe inspire them to look at what they can personally do to reduce their own symptoms. > >Remember to check with your GP before starting anything new that affects your health. > >--- > >If you'd like to share your personal experiences of Long COVID, either with me or with other readers on this site, click on the link to <a data-tooltip-position="top" aria-label="mailto:[email protected] subject=My Long COVID experience" rel="noopener nofollow" class="external-link" href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=My%20Long%20COVID%20Experience" target="_blank">email me</a>. I'll keep the conversation [[Privacy Policy|confidential]] unless you let me know that I can share it publicly. --- ## Read next [[IRL - Back into the Fog]] See [[IRL Blog Home]] for more stories of living with Long COVID.