10 simple mind tricks to keep brain fog away

Jun 8, 2025 Shifa Khan

Brain fog remedies

Feeling spaced out or struggling to focus? That could be brain fog — a common issue triggered by stress, poor sleep, or unhealthy habits. Try these 10 simple yet powerful mind tricks to stay sharp and mentally clear every day. Canva

Start your day with hydration

Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up. Dehydration can cause immediate mental sluggishness, so fueling your brain with water helps it wake up too. Canva

Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding trick

When overwhelmed, calm your mind by naming 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste. It quickly refocuses your attention. Canva

Switch to brain foods

Incorporate walnuts, blueberries, and dark chocolate into your snacks. These boost cognitive function and fight inflammation, which is a major cause of brain fog. Canva

Declutter your space to declutter your mind

A messy desk or digital clutter can distract your brain. Clean environments help with clearer thinking and improved focus. Canva

Do a 5-minute brain dump

Write down every thought racing through your mind. This clears mental congestion and improves your ability to prioritize and act. Canva

Use the ‘single-tasking’ mantra

Multitasking feels productive but often leads to confusion and burnout. Train your mind to do one thing at a time — with full attention. Canva

Breathe in patterns

Try box breathing — inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. It calms your nervous system and brings clarity within minutes. Canva

Take a movement break every hour

Stand up, stretch, or walk. Even two minutes of movement helps boost blood flow to the brain and refreshes your mental state. Canva

Chew gum or sip mint tea

Peppermint stimulates alertness. Chewing gum or drinking mint tea tricks your brain into feeling more awake and alert. Canva

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