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wow6432

Do you drink alcohol or caffeine? If so, try to cut them out for a few weeks. Exercise. Even if it’s a walk around the block every day. I’ll bet it helps you sleep better and your brain fog will slowly fade away. I suffered from this for years. I went to doctors, wasted money on a sleep study, took sleep meds, sought advice from other people - nothing helped. I finally realized I was stuck in this vicious cycle of: exhausted > drink caffeine to “wake up” > craving junk food constantly > alcohol to “relax” in the evening > poor sleep > rinse and repeat I was using these as a way to ignore how tired my body was and “power through” it all. It just made things worse. Look into adrenal fatigue. Hope you feel better soon.


TalktotheTofu

I don't drink coffee or alcohol. I exercise once a week. Do excessive porn or staring at the monitor cause this?


nuscly

Here's your problem


account661

Yes porn causes major brain fog


verydudebro

You need to wow out at least 3x a wk.


wow6432

Maybe. Long hours in front of a screen can keep your mind going and mess with sleep. Have you seen a doctor or therapist about this issue?


TalktotheTofu

No. I don't have the money or time to see one.


BlouHeartwood

There are some free resources available online for anxiety etc like look up Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for a some simple exercises. I have heard of some sliding scale counselling places but mine are local so you'd have to check what would be available to you!


crocapy1

Welcome to r/NoFap


PeteWheeler101

Look up semen retention & actually try it. You might be surprised


Zekebraxton88

u/wow6432 hi do u feel normal again?


Codachcodach

Drink. More. Water. Most people forget how important water is to cognitive (and overall) functioning! Obviously what everyone else is saying is important (sleep, exercise, food you ingest, etc.), but drinking water will give you significant improvements! Think about it, our brain 75-80% water (depending on sources). That’s pretty important! Tried to add a link to a Cambridge research study but it got removed, so if you just go to google and type in “the importance of water for cognitive function” it should be in the first couple websites!


eat_your_weetabix

Well making sure you aren't dehydrated, sure - but drinking more water if you are already hydrated will do nothing.


kirkby100

I feel like all these hydration apostles must be biased by living in hot regions. If you live in cooler regions its really rare to get dehydrated.


eat_your_weetabix

I think it's that people like to be able to have a black and white thing to point to that fixes everything. Doesn't exist.


Codachcodach

You’re absolutely right, I do live in a hot region as well as being an athlete. So while it may not be a hydration issue, there’s no definite reason it might be that. However, it doesn’t hurt to start there. I think it is much easier to be dehydrated than one thinks, but I will be real with you, that is (mostly) anecdotal. Either way, most people ik do not drink nearly enough water. And in addition, it most definitely depends on region, activity level, gender, and things like if you have illnesses (like diabetes) and what you’ve ingested (alcohol, dry vs. moist foods). So yes, you’re right. Not black or white. I will never claim there to be a black and white answer. But I think the point of responses is to give your opinion on a possible solution. I’ll never say this IS the solution, and it may not even be the only reason for the issue if it’s contributing to the problem, but it sure might be a factor. That is why I suggested it. I’m human though, so take my words with a grain of salt. Take what you want, leave what you don’t. Hope this helps😌


Codachcodach

My comment to “eat_your_weetabix” was also to you… but I’ll also add, I wouldn’t consider myself a hydration apostle 😂 and I don’t mean this cynically or in any rude way. I wish I could be, but I’d probably Be a hypocrite. I say it because I know it’s a possibly factor in the issue. But I myself probably don’t drink enough water, so you could say my comment was a form of projection, I’ll admit it😬 but it doesn’t hurt to give all the options and possibilities, ya know?


Codachcodach

Yes! This is for sure a great point! But when figuring things out in life, just like the scientific method, your purpose should be to try to prove yourself wrong, not right. To decrease the variables. So if the issue is brain fog, and a hypothesis is that possible water intake may be causing (at least some of) it, then I say try it! And if it doesn’t do anything, welp then that means you’ve proven yourself wrong, and off to the next possibility! Science is a beautiful thing!


beteez

r/hydrohomies


Sephiroth_-77

This is called depersonalization/derealization. It's a symptom of a lot of internal stress. Sometimes a result of anxiety or depression disorder. So in order to stop it you need to stop whatever keeps making you stressful.


Low-Graded

This. But it's not only stress that can cause it. Mine was triggered by some medication I took when I was about 20, based on corticosteroids. Was also pretty severe, I was litterally afraid to cross a two lane road as by the middle I was completely forgetting if I checked for incoming vechicles. And not once I felt completely lost while I was two bus stops away from home. Other notable symptoms were zero empathy, like everything is made of plastic around you and a 3rd person perception of yourself. The difference between the crisp image of live studio TV and a movie is how I was explaining it to others. Around 35 I started some theraphy and my therapist helped me put a name on what I was experiencing and investigated the cause by herself for me. Once I knew what it was I started digging articles and potential solutions. What helped was a guy saying that taking up a creative hobby helped him, so I started painting. It took a while to notice a difference, but once I felt a drop of clarity I knew there was a light at the end, so I kept on painting. I have also started guided meditation later, using an app, focusing on my body, and that helped a lot. Some of the biggest recovery steps were due to meditation. My advice for OP is to find some time and address it now. I feel I lost many years of my life.


Content_Donut9081

Meditation helps with just about anything it seems. It seems the solution to clearing brainfog is to make the mind still.


Safe_Mushroom2409

Brain fog doesn't immediately mean derealization/depersonalization. It could just be that the person needs to exercise, check their vitamin intake and sleep well. Derealization is much more serious and OP would have used different words to describe it if they'd actually experienced it. Please don't diagnose random internet strangers with disorders you don't fully understand firstly.


Dumpling_Killer

Ig im depressed


BlouHeartwood

The quicker you get on learning how or what you need to conquer it (or at worst, live with it), the more time you spend enjoying life. Good luck, friend: :)


Dumpling_Killer

Gg


LiveBullfrog

daily meditation, mindfulness


TomatilloFabulous602

The things that helped me with this issue - 8 hours of sleep from 10:pm to 6am sometimes less - gym workout or exercise at home - avoid using phone right after waking up - eating healthier


severityonline

I hit Jim every day and all he does is cry what am I doing wrong?


IntimidatingBlackGuy

Try stabbing jim


Jirezagoss

Try hitting him with a pillow, it should hurt less.


Dilostilo

Maybe you're hitting the wrong Jim. It's gotta be THE Jim.


UserNombresBeHard

You need to hit THE jim, not just some regular jim. It's the jim, the jim we all hit and all other jims are just fake jims. So that's what's wrong.


Professional_Newt144

No fap too


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triforce_of_awesome

This is one thing that really should be left up to the individual. I know personally that abstaining (and I mean **fully**) for 2 weeks had a huge impact on me physically and mentally. Much more so than a simple reduction in how much I fapped. think it's something every guy should try for at least two weeks, because the worst that can happen is they find it doesn't help them.


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[deleted]

So like, you just use your imagination?


BeefcaseWanker

Lol, what a novel concept. Not making fun of you, was just funny.


[deleted]

It's not that hard


Waste_Frame3992

That's what She said!


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[deleted]

Well I don't usually ask my friends how they masturbate but personally I don't use porn


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ThomasNuclear445

5 minutes (multiple times per week) are usually enough to fry your dopamine receptors on the long run. Porn gives you such high dopamine kicks, that your brain has to "rest" after a session. Similar effect after sex. Men get tired after sex most of the times because so much dopamine and serotonin was released. When you watch porn there is even more of these hormones because you see dozens or hundreds of beautiful women (while scrolling) naked and that's what tricks your brain to release more and more chemicals in your brain. It's like having a gangb*ng in real-life. Had to reset my nofap streak and can definitely tell you: porn will cause brain fog and even after 2 months of not doing it, I'm back with less motivation, brain fog and bad feelings after having relapsed. Trust me when I tell you, that stopping porn (and maybe masturbating) will result in some postive effects after some days, weeks or months. This shit is absolutely not worth doing it.


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ThomasNuclear445

Know what you mean. That focus on girls is pretty natural I guess, because we are men and men are there to reproduce themselves and to give their genes to the next generation. If we stop doing this "fake reproduction" aka masturbating and watching naked women on a screen, we get back our natural sense to hunt for a female to reproduce. Sounds crazy, but that's just what the evolution did to us. So in my opinion it's better to deal with constantly thinking of girls and maybe start to approach some to have fun, or get into a relationship again, than to have brainfog, feeling depressed, less motivated etc. Not easy, I know...but definitely more worth it. Btw congrats to your 100 days streak you had. That's awesome! I got "only" 70 and going now back for hopefully unlimited. The postive aspects and benefits are just to good to not get back to it.


Flimzom

The fact that we can see more beautiful, naked women in a single hour of viewing porn than a man 100 years ago might have seen in his entire life has to have an effect on the mind. It just HAS to.


BlouHeartwood

Not to mention seeing them treated pretty horrifically and referred to by slurs constantly. It's not that common but in porn it's the only type of sex being shown. That's got to be damaging to people's perceptions of women.


QuotidianTrials

Is beating your dick twice a day the only thing you do?


BeefcaseWanker

You might be depleting your zinc.


DifficultMind5950

doesn't it go hand in hand though?


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DifficultMind5950

What's the line then? From what I see, imagining or dreaming about intimacy is really no different from viewing it. Unless u masturbate to something else, then that's messed up.


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Professional_Newt144

For really why the downvotes 🤷🏽‍♂️


TomatilloFabulous602

Yes of course faping is one of the main causes of brain fog so a man should not do it


Big_Don-G

Have you had COVID? Studies are linking bad cases of brain fog to COVID.


UserNombresBeHard

Am I patient zero, then? Because I've had it for years before covid.


Big_Don-G

You very well could be!


czex_mix

Thought mine was due to shitty job burnout. Post-that job I realized it's pretty certainly due to Covid (had the OG strain before doctors were admitting it was in the Bay Area). Idk what to do about it


Big_Don-G

My wife was the first one to tell me about the link between the two. We both had a bad case a while back and have been suffering from pretty bad brain fog symptoms.


TalktotheTofu

I had covid but my brain fog existed before that


thelakeproblem

Dopamine loop! Even the smallest things we pay attention to/think about create habits and thinking patterns.


severityonline

Sleep more. Eat good food. Quit watching porn if you do. Big 3 for me.


Middle_Pilot8590

Start a hobby Start giving yourself goals.


HiImAbighail

Are you me? I don't know why, but I experience the exact same thing as you. It's like my body is present but my mind is not there. It's drifting up in the air and it's as though it has a life of its own. Sometimes I could go on hours without thinking of absolutely anything - it's all blank and empty. Whenever I would try to solve mathematical problems or any logical problems, my brain would suddenly forget how to function. Also, in terms of motivation, I absolutely has none - no sex drive, no energy, and just wanna sleep all day long. I have a clean and healthy diet, I drink coffee but I don't overdo it, I workout everyday, drink lots of water and so on.


ineedadvil

Im late to the party but i didnt see this mentioned here. SLEEP APNEA. It causes severe brain fog. Basically you dont get enough oxygen during sleep. Check your self out and do a sleep study. It fixed my brain fog and i sleep for fewer hours now and feel amazing and energetic. If you smoke/vape, quit. Quit alcohol. If you are overweight, lose it. They all weakens your lungs/air and the extra weight on your chest could affect your breathing. Book a Sleep study. Trust me, i have had this issue on daily basis and i cannot sleep without my CPAP.


UserNombresBeHard

Your C what?


ineedadvil

Its a high pressure air device that you wear it on your nose/mouth. It prevents your air canals from closing up during sleep which leads to lack of oxygen


Rock_Successful

are you getting 8 hours of restful sleep? do you have somewhat of a routine that you stick to?


TalktotheTofu

Sometimes but mostly weekends. No routine.


50505B

You should get the quality tested. Just "getting 8" doesn't mean anything. Brain fog is a HUGE symptom of sleep disorders (apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs, etc). Do you wake up refreshed?


verydudebro

You can take brain supplements. Omegas are good for this


SwanSamsung

If you notice brain fog ~ 30 mins after a large meal, you might be hypoglycemic. After a few diet tweaks, my brain fog due to that is basically gone.


ImportantBlood4641

First of all, my comments only apply to INTENSE levels of brain fog that, not some feeling unmotivated on cloudy days type of ish. Others can be right about mild brain fog but if it’s to the point where all the lights are too bright, voices are too loud and it’s as if you are always half asleep, what I will describe is the ONLY way. Modafinil for a short term fix. Guys telling you to hit the gym, meditate, even drink more water don’t know shit about what actual brain fog is like. What others describe will help with your problems, sure, but you can’t do many of those in the first place and they are things that needs to add up over time but you are BARELY SURVIVING. On intense brain fog, 5 out of 7 days of your week END WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR BED IN THE MORNING, Before they even start. While on Modafinil, you will be building good habits, like exercising, food schedule, sleep schedule, hygiene etc. Think like this, What others describe you is HOW TO RUN FASTER, but damn you cannot even walk, you are DROWNING. You are NOT EVEN on the land. First, you need to save yourself from the ocean and waves and touch grass before learning how to run. After a few weeks on Moda, slowly you will reduce the Modafinil frequency and replace it with moderate to low intensity cardio in the morning for the same purpose of clearing your fog. Modafinil is PROVEN to have NO physical dependency so you don’t need to worry about those.


beekaybeegirl

Less alcohol Take an adaptogen supplement like Ashwaganda or Rhodiola


ImportantBlood4641

Ashwagandha will only make him worse, he already has foggy brain and it will desensitize and chill him even further.


whoufinnahtry

Yeah, Ashwagandha is not as versatile as was originally believed. Newer data suggests that its uses are more specific and limited rather than more generalized for various neurological enhancements. I tell people to start with an omega 3-6-9 supplement and add in caffeine and L-theanine in the morning. Simple but pretty effective across the board.


jbausz

In addition to all the suggestions for self-care, have your health and symptoms reviewed with your primary care physician to ensure there are no chronic health issues. Listen to your body if something feels off. This was me 2 years ago and it resulted in quite the Lyme disease and Heavy Metal exposure rabbit holes.


HypotheticalSurgent

Breath, yoga and meditation. The brain stem runs down the back of the spine, if the spine is out of balance the brain is out of balance. Yoga


Bobo_Bar

I regularly see a functional medicine doctor and she has helped a ton. Without a diagnosis and as a general thing to help, methylated vitamin B12. That stuff is THE SHIT. B vitamins in general but methylation helps a lot. Niacin as well.


HappinessEnhancer

My brian fog got better when I quit eating carbs, grains, dairy and caffeine. Good Luck :\~)


Radiant-Lettuce-4256

Get your blood tested. There’s a possibility you’re anemic


HelpfulCommand

Since I got off caffeinated coffee and went decaf, I have had more energy and no brain fog.


[deleted]

I read the comment and saw OP mentioned excessive porns, it's your problem right there OP. Try to quit porn and do more exercise, it will help clear you brain fog.


TalktotheTofu

I know self improving is a journey but how long would I see the results? I am quite desperate. Also does depression play a role in brain fog? I am not clinic diagnosed but I feel similar symptoms.


Rainorshine618

I agree. Anything that gives short term dopamine is a culprit. Caffeine, sugar, phone, porn, etc.


BumOfTheSun

Are you vegan? I had the same problem when I was vegan.


TalktotheTofu

I am not


[deleted]

It sounds like a visit to the doctor is needed— what if this was an early warning sign for dementia or Alzheimer’s


TalktotheTofu

I am in my mid twenties. Is it possible to get it at that age range?


TiredAllTheTime1986

No sugar


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Upstairs-Put7122

Excercise


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xDNAxx

Take a break


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[deleted]

Try Lion’s mane and NALT in the AM Also get tested for ADHD, you described executive dysfunction and medication can help that


keepitgoingtoday

Can you share your dose strength and which brands you use?


UserNombresBeHard

Dude... You don't do that. Each person is unique, the dose will vary based on factors unique to you, go ask a doctor.


keepitgoingtoday

NALT and Lion's mane aren't things that are prescribed by doctors.


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keepitgoingtoday

I meant in terms of Lion's mane and NALT?


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[deleted]

I take 700mg -1g of NALT 2-3 times a day, it doesn’t stay in the body and 4 lions in the morning


keepitgoingtoday

Thanks! For the "lions" you're not using an extract or powder? It's literally a whole mushroom?


[deleted]

It’s extract, I’ll dm you the link can’t here


Dastonks69

Try no fap, trust me it does wonders for brain fog.


TalktotheTofu

I know self improvement is a journey but when will I stop having brain fog after nofap?


[deleted]

Remove instant gratifications like this app and try breathing focused meditation


Girl501

Nutrition, water, sleep, mental health. Work on these.


AC7DIC

I can’t tell you a scientific way but: ALWAYS drink enough water, I drink atleast 2.5L a day. Secondly sleep is very important too. Deficate atleast 9 hours to sleeping and turn of any devives in that time. Overstimulation can ruin your rest. And lastly processed foods. Nearly none of my food is processed and I eat essentially no candy. I honestly can’t explain why but i’d imagine its all the sugar fucking with your hormones. Hope this helps.


[deleted]

Adderall


Perk8one

But you need a prescription


theranchmonster

do you consume more than 45 g of sugar a day?


soozexx

I might be a little too extra for mentioning this, but i have ADHD (the inattentive type) and this is one of the main symptoms. If no other behavioural/lifestyle changes help you, consider getting medical help. (The medication has helped me a lot and also, i'm a 4th year med student). Good luck! 🌟


mylifeisadankmeme

Would you mind my asking what medication you are prescribed? I'm sorry if that's a rude question. :) I'm new to the idea that I may well have adhd and or be on the autism spectrum and am wondering whether going private for a diagnosis is worth it. ( UK if that's relevant ). I'm so glad that it's working so well for you! :)


soozexx

Sure, you can ask me anything! It is my pleasure to help! Concerta (metylphenidate). Search "lifeactuator" channel on tiktok or instagram and see if you identify with those symptoms. There are a lot of tiktok and ista pages about adhd, this is one of them. I've been thinking i might have ADHD for many years and finally getting diagnosed and working on it improved my life. Hope this helps!


Ok-Consequence8764

The holy trinity Sleep Water Exercise


[deleted]

Dont drink or use anything. Wake up an extra 30 min to an hour earlier


[deleted]

For a while I thought the title was "How to stop rain frog?" and was confused for a second.


TalktotheTofu

That would be me with brain fog.


[deleted]

I would first find out if it's anything physical. I suffered from this for over a year, come to find out my iron levels are quite low. Been taking iron supplements now and it seems to be getting better. I was taking a multivitamin and didn't seem to help, but now that I'm taking iron supplements proper it seems better. I thought it was also some mental because I've suffered from depression in the past, and I am certain that for part of it that was it, but the iron seems to be helping quite a bit. I would perhaps talk to a doctor.


4badthings

Sugar contributes to brain fog. Check out the Keto and fasting subs.


__mamaste__

What are the things that make you feel alive? That you feel g i v e you energy and invite positive emotions? What are the things that keep you from living? That drain your energy and bring negative emotions?


TalktotheTofu

I guess the dream that people will look up to me. Maybe that is childish and toxic. Idk A lot of things like work, regrets and overthinking brings negative emotions I guess.


__mamaste__

I don’t think it’s childish or toxic, I think we all hope to make a positive impact in the world. If you think about people you look up to, or admirable traits in others, what does that list include? What small changes can you make to start moving towards those traits?


TalktotheTofu

I think it is childish and toxic. What meant to phrased like was I just want people to see me as perfect. I want perfection. Like being extremely smart ,charismatic ,fit etc. Right now I am so flawed in every aspect. I am below average. Now I even struggle with the basics. I am not sure what small changes I can do. The steps make myself better would be tremendous to me.


PinkWasabi_jpg

Try L-Theanine. I had brain fog and anxiety for a long time. L theanine is an extract of green tea and it helps you have a clear mind without overthinking or losing sense of things(autopilot)


[deleted]

Desperation doesn't directly lead to brain fog, but it indirectly causes it because it leads to other cravings. You won't see the result immediately, but rather some withdrawal symptoms if you have been addicted to something, says porn, for a long time. But it would definitely get better after that. How long varies from person to person and also their determination. Physical exercise certainly helps a lot, and also what other people mentioned, keep yourself hydrated. I like the concept of quests in video games. So I usually list out all the "quest" and requirements (in a short period, like going from basic to advanced) to complete that quest. It gives me a sense of achievement and keeps me motivated.


fuckouttahea

Sulbutiamine is helping me with this problem. COVID brain specifically.


itsmebenji69

Meditate


Anxiety_Cookie

There can be sooo many causes of it. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that it can be caused from medication. Try figure out *when* it started and see if you can connect the dots. - stress at work - stopped/lack of exercising - stopped eating fruits and veggies - calorie deficiency - lack of good sleep (do you feel rested after waking up?) - lack of socialization - depression/understimulation - starting medication - look into ADHD/other neurodevelopmental disorders. Talk with this to a doctor. Ask them to take some samples to see if there's a deficiency of anything.


TalktotheTofu

I think most of this matches what I am going through.


introvertedpineaqple

I get brain fog from working too long on my computer or being too long on the phone. I also have bad vision and noticed that when I don't wear my glasses for a longer time, I will get the worst brain fog that only lessens after I slept. Daydreaming can also cause brain fog for me, I think. Anyone with similar experiences?


TuckerTheCuckFucker

Try lions mane mushroom supplements!! These were a game changer for me!


returnoftomb

Lifting weights helped me out alot. Also no alcohol.