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According to a neurologist, brain fog is a mental haze which impair memory, focus, and clarity. This causes persistent confusion and difficulty processing information effectively
Vacations are beneficial for mental health, offering a dedicated period for individuals to unwind and recharge. (Representative/Shutterstock)
December ushers in a wave of holiday cheer, prompting many to plan New Year’s celebrations. The month is often compared to Friday, as it precedes the weekend respite of Saturday and Sunday. This period witnesses a collective sense of relaxation, with numerous domestic and international multinational companies granting employees extended leave until January 1. However, this eagerness for travel can sometimes lead to a phenomenon known as holiday brain fog, also referred to as vacation brain.
Brain Fog: When Clarity Escapes
Dr Anshu Rohatgi, a neurologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explains that brain fog manifests as a mental haze, a condition where the brain struggles to process information effectively. This cognitive impairment affects memory, focus, and clarity of thought, leaving individuals feeling perpetually uncertain and disoriented. Finding the right words during conversations becomes a challenge, and a persistent sense of detachment from reality prevails, as if existing in a dreamlike state.
The onset of cold weather can have a noticeable impact on cognitive function. Psychiatrist Priyanka Srivastava observes a decline in work motivation during December, primarily attributed to the change in weather. As temperatures drop, nights lengthen and days shorten, leading to reduced physical activity and a sense of lethargy. This physiological shift, coupled with the pervasive commercialisation of Christmas and New Year festivities, can induce a “weekend” mindset. The ubiquitous decorations and celebratory atmosphere subconsciously signal the brain that a vacation period is imminent.
This phenomenon, often referred to as “brain fog”, manifests differently in individuals but generally presents as decreased concentration, forgetfulness, and reduced awareness. While subjective in experience, its effects are typically observed from December, extending through January.
Why does this happen during vacations?
Vacations are beneficial for mental health, offering a dedicated period for individuals to unwind and recharge, freeing themselves from work and stress. However, some individuals experience the opposite effect. When embarking on a vacation, they encounter unfamiliar environments. Exposed to numerous novel experiences, their minds struggle to adapt. This unfamiliarity can lead to confusion, causing individuals to think in unusual ways. New locations, languages, surroundings, people, and even food, rather than being enjoyable, can become overwhelming.
Stress Dominates
Brain fog casts a haze over the mind. Often, lifestyle changes while travelling contribute to this. Partying can interfere with sleep, while the consumption of junk food and alcohol increases. Additionally, accumulated workloads from the entire year often peak in December, causing stress. This, combined with the aforementioned factors, leads to mental fatigue, making individuals feel as if they are moving through a dreamlike state.
Regardless of the cause, several tests are conducted before treatment to determine if the individual’s blood sugar and blood pressure are within a healthy range. Additionally, thyroid function, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels are assessed, as imbalances in any of these areas can contribute to brain fog.
Jet lag is a potential trigger for Brain Fog
According to psychiatrist Priyanka Srivastava, “brain fog can be caused by jet lag”. Jet lag frequently occurs after extensive air travel, as traversing multiple time zones disrupts the body’s internal clock. Essentially, when someone embarks on long-haul flights, the time differences and shifts between day and night can impact their circadian rhythm.
For instance, travelling from India to America or Australia exposes individuals to significant time variations. Consequently, the body’s biological clock struggles to adjust to the new time zone due to factors like fatigue and sleep deprivation. This disruption manifests as confusion and can lead to what is known as holiday brain fog.
How to Keep Yourself Healthy on Holiday
One should not let one’s healthy habits slip just because they are on holiday. Maintaining a healthy routine is crucial for both mind and body. While on holiday, one should make sure to wake up early and enjoy 15 minutes of sunshine each day. One should aim for 30 to 40 minutes of exercise daily. One should maintain regular mealtimes and try to avoid sugary treats, alcohol, and cigarettes. They should ensure that they get a full eight hours of sleep. One should prioritise foods rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12.
Stay Hydrated, Especially During the Festive Season
During December, as the festive season encourages relaxation and celebration, people often increase their consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee. However, both caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritise hydration during this time to avoid the unpleasant effects of dehydration.
While water is the best choice for hydration, other options include coconut water, fruit juice, and soup. A good rule of thumb for adequate daily water intake is to consume one litre for every 20 kilograms of body weight.
