Brain Fog in MS

By: Mindy Eisenberg, MHSA, C-IAYT, ERYT-500 with Bettyanne Hodges, Director of Marketing, YMMS

 

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? Or stared at your phone, struggling to remember what you were about to do? That cloudy feeling is called brain fog—and it’s a very real part of life for many people. Simple tools like yoga, mindfulness, and breathing can help lift that fog.

Brain fog isn’t the same as being tired or forgetful. It’s a mix of symptoms that make it hard to think clearly. It can be frustrating, even scary. You might feel:

• Slower than usual
• Easily distracted
• Foggy or forgetful
• Mentally tired after doing just a little

People with neuromuscular conditions often deal with brain fog for a few reasons:

• The nervous system is affected, which can change how your brain processes information.
• Fatigue is common and can drain your brain power.
• Sleep problems, stress, and medications also play a role.

Yoga connects your body and mind, helping to sharpen your thinking. Yoga, including Adaptive Yoga, helps clear the fog by:

• Getting more oxygen and blood flowing to your brain
• Moving your body in ways that wake up your nervous system
• Helping your brain focus on the present moment instead of racing thoughts

Breathing might seem simple. We do it all day without thinking. But when you breathe on purpose, your brain gets a boost. Slow, deep breathing calms the nervous system. It also helps bring more oxygen to your brain, which can improve focus and clear thinking.

Try this and notice how your mind starts to feel more steady and clear:

1. Breathe in through your nose for 3 to 4 counts.
2. Hold for 2 counts.
3. Breathe out through your nose 3 to 4 counts.
4. Repeat 3 times.

Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening right now—without judgment. Practicing mindfulness helps you let go of the noise and focus on what matters. Over time, this can improve memory, attention, and even mood. It can be as simple as:

• Noticing your breath
• Listening to the sounds around you
• Feeling your feet on the ground

You don’t have to live in a fog. Living with a neuromuscular condition is already challenging. Brain fog adds another layer—but you can take small steps to feel more clear and focused. Yoga, breathing, and mindfulness won’t erase every symptom. But they can give you back something powerful: a sense of clarity, calm, and control. Even five minutes a day can help. Your mind is strong. Let’s give it a little space to shine!

Check out our On Demand Library and start clearing the fog!

To learn more about Mindy Eisenberg, Director of Yoga Moves MS and Bettyanne Hodges, Director of Marketing, or to learn more about our specialized classes for students with MS, Parkinson’s Disease, and related conditions go to Yoga Moves Any Body Website

To order Mindy’s book or adaptive yoga cards Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body and Adaptive Yoga Cards. (Click the link to order).

“Adaptive yoga meets the body where it is, offering a safe space to practice compassion, both mentally and physically.” – Mindy Eisenberg