YOUR BRAIN FOG LOG

Since my thyroid disease diagnosis, I have mastered the art of list making. I have to create lists on a regular basis, or else many important tasks don’t get done.  The daily schedule I was able to keep contained in my brain must now get jotted down on my portable brain fog log.

My list making skills have been perfected over the years through trial and error,  because I have to make lists for just about everything now.  I thought I would share the top 3 things to remember when creating your “to do” lists.

1.Find the right handy, dandy notebook.  I personally feel more
  comfortable using a notebook instead of an electronic device
  because it is easier for me to have just one notebook dedicated
  to my daily duties…but if an electronic notebook works better
  for you than go for it, the important thing is to come to the
  realization that you probably need to make lists now instead of
  relying on your memory.  Less stressful to:  jot it down, get
  it  done, and then cross it off.

2.Make your lists realistic. Don’t write down an exorbitant 
  amount of tasks to accomplish each day or tasks that are
  completely unrealistic, for example:

Not Ideal                                                                                        Ideal

·         Baby sit the neighbor’s kids for 2 hours                 •  Babysit the neighbor’s kids for 2 hours

·         Clean the house for dinner guests                          •  Nap

·         Make dinner                                                                 •  Work on menu for the rescheduled dinner

·         Entertain house guests                                                 party

·         Help child with homework                                        •  Delegate house chores to family for dinner

                                                                                                            Party

                                                                                                       •  Help child with homework

Note: The “Not Ideal” example may have you in bed for the next two days trying to recuperate.

3. Don’t be cryptic with your lists. Remember your to do lists are there to help you, which means you may have to write a little more than what you are used to.  For example:

Not Ideal                                                                                             Ideal

•   Boogeymom1975@email.com                                              • Boogeymom1975@email.com –   

                                                                                                       need to email her today to let 

                                                                                                       her know I want to take

                                                                                                       the next Zumba class

Note:  The “Not ideal” example…If you are like me, you can walk away from your list for just 10 seconds then come back to it and ask yourself… “Who the heck is Boogeymom?”  You think you will remember when writing it down, I mean come on…how can you forget who Boogeymom is…Ahhh… but trust me the thyroid brain has other ideas.

Click here for some fun Brain Fog Logs aka thyroid notebooks.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

BRAIN FOG

A few weeks ago I was captivated by the beauty of the fog outside. The misty cloud-like blanket covering trees, streets and structures made that morning drive into work a pleasant one.

On the elevator, I joked with someone that it looks like my brain isn’t the only thing foggy this Monday morning. We both laughed.

But then when I sat at my desk staring at the computer for ten minutes trying to remember passwords, what I was supposed to do for the day and who I needed to call…I thought to myself, this is not a laughing matter.

I hate brain fog!

And just like outdoor fog, (sometimes visibility is 10 miles and sometimes a few feet) there are varying degrees of brain fog.

If you’ve read my book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy, you know of my Googling habits, so, trying to understand fog and how it works both meteorologically and cerebrally… I took to the internet.

Weather –

Fog is made up of condensed water droplets which are the result of air being cooled where it can no longer hold the water vapor it contains. –Source weatherquestons.com

Brain –

(Umm…This is where it gets foggy)…I couldn’t find a good explanation as to what exactly is going on in the brain during brain fog. IS THERE A SCIENTIST IN THE HOUSE?

But I did find causes – Here are five common causes of brain fog

1. Hormonal imbalance
2. Dehydration
3. Diseases
4. Food or Chemical allergies
5. Drugs

We throw the term Brain Fog around, however it is not technically a diagnosis or a medical term used by doctors. This is unfortunate because chronic or severe brain fog can produce a wide range of issues anywhere from immense personal insecurities to dangerous situations causing bodily harm. I’m sure it costs businesses billions of dollars globally due to unproductivity. (I am still trying to remember my work password).

Here are five key techniques to help with brain fog.

1. Eat a healthy diet-The brain needs a lot of nutrients to function properly.
2. Get adequate rest.
3. Stay on your doctor-If your quality of life is affected by brain fog, don’t settle for this.
4. Stay hydrated-Drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water per day.
5. Exercise-Exercise increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

Good luck, here’s hoping the only time you experience fog is when it is weather related.

The Crazy Thyroid Lady