How to Lift Your Cancer Brain Fog

Many people with cancer have problems with memory, attention, and thinking. It can start during treatment or after it’s over. You might have heard it called “chemo brain,” but other cancer treatments besides chemotherapy can cause this brain fog, too. It can also happen because of the disease itself.

When you have it, you may find it hard to work, go to school, or enjoy social events.

For many people, brain fog lasts a short time. Others may have it for years. Either way, a few different strategies can help you get a handle on your symptoms.

Why Cancer Causes Mental Issues

If you have brain fog, you’ll notice that:

• You find it hard to learn new things.
• You’re easily distracted.
• You feel “spacey.”
• It takes you longer than normal to complete tasks.
• You can’t get organized.
• You struggle to find the right words when you speak.
• You can’t keep track of names, dates, or your schedule.
• You have trouble remembering things.

Although your cancer is partly to blame for how you feel, there may be other reasons, such as:

• Stress about your illness
• Other health conditions (like diabetes)
• Not eating a healthy diet or getting enough nutrients
• Other medicines you’re taking
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling very tired
• Hormone changes in your body

How to Lift Your Brain Fog

Different strategies can help you think more clearly, such as:

Lifestyle changes

• Eat healthy foods. They make you stronger and give you energy. If you’ve lost your appetite, try eating small meals every few hours instead of three large ones per day. Eat foods high in protein, like chicken and eggs, and healthy carbohydrates, like oatmeal and sweet potatoes. Nutrient-rich vegetables will also help protect your brain.
• Stop harmful habits. Inflammation may play a part in brain fog. You can lower it by staying away from toxins like alcohol and tobacco.
• Get plenty of rest. When you get enough sleep, your brain will find it easier to learn, focus, and remember things. Try to get 6-8 hours each night.
• Break a sweat. Regular aerobic exercise like walking, dancing, or biking will make you better able to focus and boost your mood, too.
• Give your brain a workout. Do crosswords, work on a puzzle, read a book, or play online brain games. Each time you challenge your thinking, you can sharpen your focus.
• Keep stress in check. Worry, anxiety, and stress can add to your brain fog. Learn ways to relax, whether it’s with meditation, yoga, or mindfulness techniques that teach you to stay in the moment.
• Give yourself a break. Divide big tasks into “bite-sized” pieces. Reward yourself with a short break each time you finish one.
• Try not to multitask. Your brain will have an easier time if you start and finish one project before going on to the next.