WELLNESS
Brain Fog During Your Period Is Totally Normal But It Can Be Fought
By JOSEE NG
Menstruation can come with a multitude of unwanted symptoms like brain fog. In the days leading up to your period, brain fog is when you experience decreased mental clarity, fuzzy memory, and trouble with decision-making but thankfully, there are ways to combat it.
Limit Screen Time
You should prioritize your sleep leading up to and during your period because you need to give your brain all the rest it needs to function the following day. Lights and sounds from TVs can fool the brain into thinking it's in a different part of the sleep-wake cycle, negatively impacting your sleep and weakening your cognitive functions.
Iron-Rich Diet
Iron deficiency anemia can also cause brain fog because if you bleed a lot, your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. To improve your cognitive impairment during your period, make sure your iron levels are sufficiently replenished by consuming an iron-rich diet that includes red meat, nuts, beans, dried fruits, cereals, and liver.
Stress Levels
Stress can affect your period in more ways than one including brain fog. To minimize brain fog, it's important you make an effort to check in with yourself and relax your mind whenever possible because if you leave your stress unchecked, it can make your periods more painful or even stop them.
Stay Active
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, being physically active on a regular basis can be effective in banishing brain fog. Physical activity can boost your mental clarity, enhance your problem-solving skills, and preserve your emotional equilibrium.