Did you know that some symptoms of the Covid-19 virus can linger for months on end? Experts call this phenomenon “Long Covid.”

One of the most common lingering symptoms is the Covid-19 brain fog, which affects millions of people in the US alone, most of whom have already recovered from the virus.

So, in this post, we’ll talk about our recommendations on how to get rid of Covid brain fog and improve your cognitive function in the long run.

We hope that these tips can help you bring back your mental clarity whether you’re dealing with brain fog post-Covid or not.

Let’s get started.

What is Covid brain fog?

Covid-19 brain fog or mental fog is a set of cognitive difficulties being triggered by the Covid-19 virus that can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue.

It’s important to note that these cognitive symptoms are not the same as depression or anxiety, although they can be mistaken for those conditions.

Covid mental fog can also lead to extreme physical fatigue, which can make it difficult to get through the day.

This type of cognitive impairment usually happens as you get infected by the virus and often remains for months even after you’ve healed.

Common Symptoms of Covid-19 Brain Fog

There are many different neurologic symptoms of Covid-19 mental fog, and they can vary from person to person.

The most common ones include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble focusing on tasks
• Short-term memory loss
• Poor decision making
• Inability to multitask
• Slower processing speed
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Trouble speaking and communicating
• Irritability or low mood
• Physical and mental fatigue 

These are just some of the most commonly reported cognitive symptoms of Covid-19 brain fog.

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s important to seek professional help so that you can get a proper diagnosis and your physician can recommend the best treatment options for you.

How to Get Rid of Covid Brain Fog

If you’re dealing with Covid mental fog, there are a few things you can do to ease your cognitive difficulties and get back to feeling like yourself again.

Here are our top 10 recommendations to get rid of Covid-19 brain fog naturally:

1) Sleep sufficiently and efficiently

Efficient and sufficient sleep is possible if you:

• follow a regular sleep schedule
• avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed,
• and make sure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool.

Sleep is proven to be the essential step you need to take to protect your immune system and mental health.

It allows your body and mind to rest, which is crucial for optimal cognitive function.

During sleep, your brain gets rid of toxins that can build up and cause problems with focus, memory, and other cognitive functions.

That’s why getting enough quality sleep should be one of your top priorities if you want to get rid of Covid mental fog.

2) Eat nutritious meals

Nutritious meals help improve cognitive function by providing the essential nutrients your brain needs to function properly, especially when you’re infected with Covid-19.

Some of the best foods for brain health include:

• Omega-three fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds)
• Antioxidants (found in blueberries, dark chocolate, and green tea)
• Vitamin B12 (found in eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals)
• Vitamin D (found in fatty fish, mushrooms, and fortified milk)

Make sure to include these brain-boosting foods in your diet to help improve your cognitive function and get rid of Covid-19 cognitive fog.

You can also take supplements if you think you’re not getting enough of these nutrients from your diet.

Just make sure to talk to your physician first before taking any supplements, so you won’t end up taking too much or too little of what you need.

3) Manage nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies are one of the common causes of immune system decline and cognitive fog, and if you have multiple deficiencies while dealing with Covid, it only becomes worse for your mental clarity.

That’s why it’s essential to make sure you’re getting enough of the nutrients your body needs, especially if you’re infected with Covid-19.

Some common nutrient deficiencies that can lead to mental fog include:

• Vitamin B12
• Omega-three fatty acids
• Iron
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D

If you think you might be deficient in any of these nutrients, talk to your physician, so they can recommend the best way to aid any nutrient deficiencies you may have.

They may prescribe supplements or suggest changes in your diet to help improve your nutrient levels.

Eating a well-rounded and nutritious diet is always the best way to get the nutrients you need, but sometimes supplements are necessary to help correct any deficiencies.

4) Keep rehydrating

Dehydration can cause a host of problems, including brain fog.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, especially if you have Covid-19.

The recommended amount of water intake for adults is eight glasses per day, but if you’re infected with Covid, you may need to drink more.

Mild symptoms of dehydration include:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to drink more water and rehydrate as soon as possible.

Covid-19 can cause dehydration due to fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, so it’s especially important to keep up with your fluid intake if you have the virus.

Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids, like soup or herbal tea, to help prevent dehydration and get rid of Covid.

If you’re not a fan of plain water, you can also add some fruits, like lemon and lime, and vegetables to your water to give it flavor.

Just make sure to avoid sugary drinks like soda or juice, as they can actually make dehydration worse. 

If you’re having a hard time making drinking water a habit, follow these tips: 

• Set a daily water goal and track your progress.
• Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
• Keep a water bottle with you at all times and take sips throughout the day.
• Eat fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of water, like cucumbers or watermelon.
• Drink herbal tea or sparkling water instead of sugary drinks.

Making sure you’re adequately hydrated is crucial for your overall health, and it can also help get rid of Covid-19 brain fog.

5) Lower stress levels

Stress, especially chronic stress, can cause a variety of problems, including mental fog.

That’s why it’s important to find ways to lower your stress levels if you’re infected with Covid-19 and to experience the mental fog that comes with it.

There are many different ways to do this, but some common methods include:

• Exercise
• Meditation
• Yoga 
• Deep breathing
• Getting enough sleep
• Spending time in nature
• Listening to music
• Doing something you enjoy
• Getting a massage

Find what works best for you and make sure to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Reducing stress will not only help get rid of brain fog, but it can also improve your cognitive function and overall health.

6) Take breaks throughout the day

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, it’s important to take a break.

Overexerting yourself will only make your mental fog worse, so make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day.

You can do something relaxing during your break, like reading or listening to music.

You can also get up and move around to increase blood flow and get your body moving.

Doing some light exercises, like stretching or walking, can also help improve brain fog.

Make sure to take breaks whenever you feel the need, and don’t feel guilty about taking a few minutes for yourself.

You’ll be able to focus better and be more productive if you take the time to rest and recharge.

7) Avoid alcohol and drugs

While it may be tempting to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs when you’re dealing with cognitive fog, it’s important to avoid them.

Alcohol and drugs can actually make cognitive problems worse, so it’s best to steer clear of them if you can.

If you’re struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help you recover.

Reach out to a friend or family member, or seek professional help if you need it.

8) Get some sun and green time

Spending time in nature has been shown to aid brain fog and improve cognitive function.

So, if you’re feeling foggy-headed, try spending some time outside in the sun.

You can also go for a walk in the park or sit in your backyard for a few minutes each day.

Make sure to get some fresh air and green time every day, and you should start to notice a difference in your mental fog.

9) Train your brain with entertaining games and activities

Just like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs to be worked out and challenged in order to stay healthy.

That’s why it’s important to engage in activities that challenge your brain on a regular basis.

There are many different ways you can do this, but some options include:

• Doing crossword puzzles
• Playing Sudoku
• Playing chess or checkers
• Doing jigsaw puzzles
• Learning a new language
• Playing an instrument
• Taking up painting or drawing
• Learning a new skill

Any activity that is new and challenging for your brain can help improve cognitive function and reduce brain fog.

So, make sure to mix things up and keep your brain active.

10) Consider therapies based on neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences. It is also extremely helpful in treating traumatic brain injury.

There are many different therapies that are based on this principle, and they can be effective in treating mental fog.

Some common neuroplasticity-based therapies include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Constraint-induced therapy
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation

These therapies can help retrain the brain and improve cognitive function.

If you’re struggling with brain fog, consider talking to a therapist about getting a brain scan and trying neuroplasticity-based therapies.

In Conclusion

Covid-19 is a stressful time for everyone, especially those who are infected by the virus and their family members. Covid mental fog is never an easy feat to take and can be twice as hard as regular mental fog.

Not to mention the negative effects that post-covid brain fog brings to your productivity at work, relationships, and personal goals in life.

Thankfully, there are natural ways that can help you combat Covid-19 brain fog, as listed in this article. We also highly recommend that you consult with your doctor as you take these steps in healing and improving your cognitive function.

If you want to learn more about brain fog and how to manage it more effectively, here are helpful resources on the topic, and check out what brain health enthusiasts talk about in this online community.