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Brain fog at work? 6 ways to boost your focus

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Brain fog getting in the way of your focus at work? These 6 foods could help you break through the afternoon slump and help you get back to work

From meeting to meeting, call to call and email to email – office jobs aren’t easy.

You work hard all morning and then lunchtime rolls around and the dreaded brain fog descends.

After all of that morning exertion, topped with a carby lunchtime meal, it’s only natural for focus to slip and fatigue to set in.

Whether you’re working from home or are back at the the office, it’s not uncommon to lose steam throughout a workday. So, what can you do to help fight off that foggy brain?

There are a number of foods that can help get your brain back on the right track after that midday slump – why not try these six?

#1 Coffee

Plenty of employees have the notorious ‘Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee’ mug – and for good reason. This caffeine-packed drink is one seriously quick and easy way to grab an instant brain boost.

The downside, though, is that coffee only produces short-term effects.

To top it off, push your consumption too far and you’re opening the door to a host of health problems, from the notorious jitters to uncomfortable headaches and even anxiety.

Coffee only produces short-term effects

So, your best bet is to keep coffee waiting in the wings for when you need it most. When you’re on those last few hours of a tough Monday and need to kick your brain and focus into high gear, opt for coffee.

Not a coffee fan? Then green tea is a solid alternative.

Packed with balanced levels of caffeine and L-Theanine, green tea delivers caffeine at a slower, controlled pace, which means there is less chance of the notorious crash. It also contains antioxidants that are highly beneficial to the brain and body.

Chocolate and certain energy drinks can work well, too.

brain fog at work coffee

#2 Fish

Plenty of people have heard the benefits of adding fish to their diet.

It’s great for lowering blood pressure, reducing the chance of heart attacks, and decreasing certain illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis.

However, what you might be surprised to find out is that fish packs a punch for brain activity, too.

Fish is loaded with Omega-3s and essential fatty acids that support overall brain health. It’s not only great for short-term bouts of concentration, research shows that fish can help your memory in the long-term, too.

So, grab some fish and pair it with other brain-boosting sides like kale, spinach and broccoli, and you’ve got a recipe for success. Fish salad, anyone?

#3 Nuts

Looking to increase concentration and general health? Nuts are another fantastic option and almonds are your best bet.

Almonds are great when they’re alone, but you can always get creative with this food that helps you focus better at work.

Opt for flavoured almonds or a granola bar with other nuts, fruits, and seeds, but avoid overly-sugar options or those with high fructose corn syrup.

brain fog at work nuts

#4 Berries

If there’s one food that should be added to your office snack list, let it be berries.

They’re proven to be incredibly healthy in all aspects of the body, especially in brain health. So, when 3 o’clock rolls around, grab a handful of this convenient snack and give your focus a well-deserved boost.

As far as brain benefits go, blueberries are the star of the show. However, you can easily mix up a fruit bowl with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries to enjoy a slew of health benefits.

They’re proven to be incredibly healthy in all aspects of the body, especially in brain health

Are you working from home? Consider creating a berry-packed smoothie with some other ingredients that have improved concentration at work, such as broccoli, oranges, flaxseed, and dark chocolate. Yum!

#5 Soy Products

Packed with omega-3 and protein, eggs are the go-to snack for bodybuilders, health enthusiasts and lunchtime snackers alike. However, whilst their benefits are undeniable, soy products are fast catching up.

Soy products such as tofu contain high levels of tryptophan and serotonin, neurotransmitters that have been directly related to improved brain function and focus.

So, in between your tasty fish and veggie lunch days, consider opting for a soy lunch instead. Your brain will thank you!

#6 Turmeric

Curcumin – the active ingredient of the spice turmeric – may improve brain function.

A growth hormone called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is responsible for much of your brain’s healthy function and curcumin actually helps increase levels of this hormone.

Indeed a deficiency in BDNF has been linked to conditions including depression and Alzheimer’s.

That means adding more turmeric to your diet could help ward off everything from everyday brain fog to more serious brain health conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Try these handy and convenient turmeric shots to get your daily dose.

Kanu robson

If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing, mental health and general lifestyle through the means of functional nutrition, Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu suggests trying an energy-refuelling, brain fog eliminating, health-boosting Raw Turmeric Shot from The Turmeric Co.

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