A dysregulated nervous system can lead to brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
STRESS, CORTISOL, & BRAIN FOG
If we’re constantly under stress, our sympathetic nervous system (responsible for our fight-or-flight response) stays activated, and this can lead to a number of problems, including brain fog and difficulty concentrating. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it releases a hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol has a number of effects on the body, one of which is to increase blood flow to the body's limbs to prepare for movement. This also decreases blood flow to the brain, which can lead to brain fog because the brain isn’t getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.
SHUTDOWN & BRAIN FOG
Similarly, if the shutdown/freeze response (triggered by the enteric nervous system) is chronically activated, this can lead to feelings of fogginess in the brain and dissociation. In this state, the nervous system sends the body signals to shut down in response to stress that is perceived as overwhelming, which also makes concentration much more difficult.
CORTISOL & NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Cortisol also interferes with the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help the brain communicate. This can lead to difficulty concentrating because the brain isn’t able to send and receive messages as efficiently.
BALANCED NERVOUS SYSTEM, CLEAR MIND
Fortunately, there are a number of things we can do to help regulate our nervous system and reduce stress. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress because it helps to release endorphins, which are hormones that have a calming effect on the body. Stillness practices also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
By taking steps to reduce stress and promote relaxation and proper recovery, we can support the regulation of our nervous system and reduce the symptoms of brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NeuroFit is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
Dysregulation is when the nervous system stops functioning properly and perceives events as stressful or overwhelming due to high allostatic load (baseline stress level). This happens when its baseline has moved significantly away from the default ventral vagal state, often due to chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, and poor diet. This brings about a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disease.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Nervous System Fitness is the degree of flexibility and resilience of one's nervous system. The name implies that the nervous system can be trained and strengthened, much like physical fitness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.