Self-help Articles

by Robin August, Ph.D.

O.K. So you are already in the hole and now what do you do?

Here are some suggestions. Please feel free to blog about what helps you.

1. Do something physically active. Water your garden, take a short walk, or do some mild exercise.
2. Let significant people in your life know your situation so that you don't have to hide it or struggle through it alone.
3. Reduce sensory overload, too much noise, conversation, or working on your computer.
4. Break things up into small tasks. Set your kitchen time on for 5 or 10 minutes and do a little bit of what you need to and then rest.
5. If you need to learn something new, either save it for when you're feeling more clear-headed or you may have to do it repeatedly until it sinks in.
6. Be a list maker- I have both short-term and long-term lists. I keep my lists on the refrigerator or in my calendar. This may sound like a lot of work but helps in the end especially when you are having trouble remembering things.
7. Change your role during the Holidays. Who says that you have to cook and be the host? Go to someone else's house or make it a pot luck dinner.
8. If you have children, it is important that they help out with chores which is good for them in terms of learning some responsibility anyway.
9. Get some regular exercise, even if it is only a few minutes at a time. De-conditioning can influence your energy level also. Yes, you can get too much rest. So, if you haven't already done so, speak with your Physician about an exercise plan.
10. If you are working, do simple tasks first and try to save more complicated tasks for when you are more clear-headed.
11. Do not overwork at anything you do. Take the day off of work or leave early if you have the time. Schedule regular rest times also.

What works best for you when you are experiencing fibro or brain fog? To leave a comment, click on comments, then scroll down until you see an open box where you can leave a comment.

P.S. Here is a good article to read that helps with improving memory.

Read Part I of this article

About the author:

Robin August, Ph.D., LCSW. obtained her Master’s in Social Work and her Ph.D. in Psychology from major Universities. She has also studied Life Coaching. She has been in private practice since 1987. She specializes in working with survivors of child abuse, coping with chronic illness, depressive and anxiety disorders, life coaching and general psychotherapy. She lives in the beautiful Smoky Mountains where she enjoys the outdoors. Dr. August also lives with Fibromyalgia and Systemic Lupus so she brings a unique personal understanding to her work.