Helping Students Who Experience Brain Fog

Brain fog itself -- often caused by extreme fatigue, lack of nutrition, overuse of drugs or alcohol, particular medical conditions, or treatment regimens -- is not new. However, evidence has emerged that shows COVID-19 as a major driver of brain fog, especially for those who experience extended symptoms, or so-called long COVID. As this article from Harvard Health notes, brain fog itself is "not a medical or scientific term; it is used by individuals to describe how they feel when their thinking is sluggish, fuzzy, and not sharp." 

When students come to coaching with concerns about brain fog, how can you support them? While coaches are not diagnosticians and cannot support any medical or therapeutic need when a student is struggling to sharpen their thinking, a coaching conversation can shine a light on the causes the student is experiencing, the choices they can make, and the goals they might pursue. Questions like these can guide the conversation:

• When, and how often, do you feel brain fog?

• Whether COVID seems like a cause or not, what other causes can you identify? 

• Describe a time when your thinking feels sharp. Why do you think this is?

• Actions that support brain health in general can combat brain fog.

• What actions might help improve your health and functioning overall?

• How does brain fog cause issues for you?

• What is your most important goal in combating brain fog?

Coaches can get brain fog too. Liven up your brain with new ideas in a LifeBound training class. 

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