Picture this: you're on your way to the kitchen to retrieve something important – maybe the phone charger or a treat – but the moment you get there, it's as if your brain split open and you've completely forgotten what it is you're doing.
We’ve all had such moments. Times when everything seems hazy and unclear, and remembering things you know like the back of your hand is a struggle, when peels end up in the frying pan and perfectly good meat goes into the bin. As disorienting and inconvenient as such days can be, most of us simply let out long-suffering sighs and go back to bed to give our brain time to recharge its batteries.
What is brain fog?
So long as such days are few, far between and can be accounted for – perhaps you’ve been sleeping poorly, working long hours or are dealing with an extended personal crisis – there really is no cause for alarm. Trouble arises when the feeling persists for long stretches, keeps you from functioning to your full potential and brings other psychological symptoms along to make matters worse.
Alarm bells should start ringing when it feels as if the layer of fog that has enveloped the brain shows no sign of dissipating.
Deprived of everyday interactions [during the pandemic] ... some are left feeling lonely, isolated and anxious – and all three can leave the brain feeling foggy
Dr Ioannis Delipalas,
medical director and consulting psychiatrist, Thrive Wellbeing Centre
“Brain fog is not a medical or scientific term. It’s used colloquially to describe symptoms like confusion, haziness, disconnectedness, disorientation and lethargy,” says Dr Shyam Bhat, a psychiatrist and integrative medicine specialist from India.
“Since the symptoms are varied and not well-defined, brain fog can be attributed to a number of causes, physical or mental, including metabolic issues, diabetes, anaemia, endocrine issues or infections like Covid-19. Stress and anxiety are common causes for brain fog, and this is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as insomnia, irritability and a feeling of restlessness.”
The pandemic has spurred the symptoms along. While there are no conclusive studies on the occurrences of brain fog in people who haven't contracted the virus, there are plenty that link Covid-19 to the group of symptoms commonly associated with it.
Brain fog and the pandemic
A survey by Indiana University School of Medicine found that more than 50 per cent of its sample group of almost 4,000 recovered Covid-19 patients reported struggling with focus and concentration, and more than 30 per cent reported memory problems, dizziness or confusion.
A similar study of more than 800 patients in Spain found that 57 per cent developed brain-related symptoms. Headaches, dizziness and loss of smell or taste were common in the early stages, while disorders of consciousness were common in advanced Covid-19 cases, especially among older patients.
“We know that Covid is a neuro-invasive virus,” says Dr Ioannis Delipalas, medical director and consulting psychiatrist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai. "Patients with mild infections can experience neurological symptoms like loss of smell and taste, short-term memory loss, headaches and poor concentration for up to 12 weeks. For patients with more severe infections, the symptoms can persist for close to six months."
The best diet for high-functioning brains must include fibre, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, folate, zinc and magnesium
Dr Nicole Sirotin,
chair of preventive medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
It’s not only coronavirus patients who are complaining of continued battles with mental acuity in the current climate, though. The reason could simply be the stress of the pandemic and prolonged periods of isolation, suggests Delipalas. Our world has changed drastically in the past two years, and many are struggling to cope.
“Physical proximity and touch play an important role in feeling happy and ‘normal’. Deprived of everyday interactions such as handshakes, touches, hugs and other physical expressions of affection, it’s understandable that some are still left feeling lonely, isolated and anxious – and all three can leave the brain feeling foggy,” he says.
“But we need to watch out for warning signs in us and those around us, especially if they persist over weeks – insomnia, loss of interest in having a social life and suicidal thoughts. Seek help immediately if you spot these, they could be signs of underlying mental health issues such as clinical depression or general anxiety disorder in patients complaining of brain fog.”
Diet and exercise for brain health
The good news is there’s a lot you can do if brain fog is not caused by a medical condition. Apart from Delipalas’s recommendation of simply making the effort to stay connected to others through phone and video calls, modifications to diets and staying physically active can make a world of difference.
Dr Nicole Sirotin, chairwoman of preventive medicine at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, offers food recommendations for brain health.
“The best diet for high-functioning brains must include fibre, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, folate, zinc and magnesium. Do eat fresh fruits, especially berries; olive oil, avocados and cold-water fish, all of which have omega-3 acids; plus whole grains, lentils and fresh vegetables, especially broccoli and beans, for fibre to increase the diversity of the bacteria in the gut, which helps with mood regulation.
If the brain fog has you feeling tired and unmotivated, try dancing to some music or simply going for a walk
Deanne Pandey,
fitness trainer and yogi
“Fish like trout, salmon and tuna, as well as milk and eggs are rich sources of vitamin B12. Seeds, nuts, eggs, kale, spinach and legumes are all rich sources of magnesium and zinc,” she says.
“High-fat diets that are rich in processed foods are linked to higher incidents of depression. And obese people are at twice the risk of developing midlife dementia. So cut out or severely limit ready-to-eat meals, fried food, fatty snacks and baked goods like cookies and cakes.”
How beat brain fog
When it comes to physical activity, Bollywood fitness and yoga expert Deanne Pandey offers a four-step guide.
Step 1: Start small. When you’re already feeling anxious or low and haven’t exercised for a long time, setting extravagant goals such as completing a marathon or working out for an hour every morning will only leave you more despondent if you fall short. It’s better to set achievable goals and build up as you go along.
Schedule workouts when your energy is at its peak, be it first thing in the morning, at lunchtime before the afternoon lull hits, or even at night before hitting bed. Just make sure you do something.
If the brain fog has you feeling tired and unmotivated, try dancing to some music or simply going for a walk. Even a 15-minute walk can help clear your mind, improve your mood, and boost your energy level. As you move and start to feel better, you can add more challenge to the routine.
Step 2: Focus on activities you enjoy. Any activity that makes you move counts, be it a run in the park with your dog or playing Frisbee with a friend. Even taking on a home improvement project or gardening is enough to get started. The idea is to slowly ease your body into being more active to simply improve your mood with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Step 3: Be at ease. Wear clothing that’s comfortable. Don’t force yourself into clothes that may no longer fit, they’ll only make you feel worse about the lockdown pounds and continue the spiral of sadness.
Step 4: Reward yourself. Yes, you’ll feel much better after a workout, but there’s no harm in keeping your motivation high with a treat for your discipline, be it a smoothie, a bubble bath or an extra hour of Netflix.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
MATCH INFO
Borussia Dortmund 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Kimmich 43')
Man of the match: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
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UAE'S%20YOUNG%20GUNS
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The Book of Collateral Damage
Sinan Antoon
(Yale University Press)
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETamer%20Ruggli%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENadine%20Labaki%2C%20Fanny%20Ardant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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FA%20Cup%20semi-final%20draw
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The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
RESULT
Arsenal 2
Sokratis Papastathopoulos 45 4'
Eddie Ntkeiah 51'
Portsmouth 0
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qais Aboud
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: Almahroosa, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Sumoud, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Adventurous, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Biog
Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
Favourite superhero: The Hulk original
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:
1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
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Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster