In our fast-paced modern world, where information bombards us from every angle and the demands for productivity seemingly never cease, it’s not uncommon to experience the perplexing phenomenon known as “mental fog” — also known as “brain fog.” Unfortunately, this cloudy state of mind does not discriminate, reportedly more common among young people but affecting people regardless of age, race, career or fitness level, especially after the pandemic.
In fact, retired NBA star Dwyane Wade reports having experienced this feeling, recently telling People magazine, “I have mental fog. You know when things just go blank sometimes, and you’re like, ‘Where’s that word? How do you spell that word? What was that thought?’”
Often experienced as a persistent cloud of lethargy, confusion, forgetfulness, and reduced mental acuity, mental fog can significantly impede productivity, hinder decision-making, and even affect emotional well-being. Even as a world-class athlete, Wade revealed mental fog has impacted his energy levels, leading him to partner with wellness supplement company Thorne for its Build to Last campaign, where the 41-year-old learned new ways to battle the mental haze and cater to his overall health.
Although aging motivated Wade, brain fog should be addressed no matter how old you are (including this writer in her early 20s, who has frequently fallen victim to the fog). Whether from stress, lack of sleep, information overload, or other underlying factors, understanding how to manage and reduce cognitive cloudiness is crucial in navigating back to clarity and focus.
“‘Brain fog’ isn’t a scientific term itself, but rather a mild cognitive dysfunction that may be caused by many different conditions,” said Dr. Dean MacKinnon, associate professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins, per Healthline.
Studies have found…
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