If I spend more than an hour deeply focusing on something I get massive brain fog. Its very debilitating and its preventing me from doing any important studies/work.<p>Have you had something like this?
I usually get it when things start to go out of hands (unexpected errors or input, distractions from many external factors etc).<p>Things that help in my case include: deep breath (mini-meditation), going out for a walk , playing an instrument (not actively practicing, but rather laying my hands on the piano keys and let the subconscious take the wheel).<p>Things that definitely do not help: eating (in these moments I have zero self control and would pick unhealthy food which would make things worse) and attention-seeking distractions (social network feeds, mindlessly scrolling infinite lists of questionable content).
Funny that you're asking on HN of all places. My wife has it after she had a stroke a few years back. The neurologist doesn't know what she's talking about. For her exercising helps and is the only cure. During the summer some time ont the trampoline will do too but that's basically exercise when done right. So she spends time at the gym like five days a week. It's time consuming and extremely annoying to her but it works. Skipping the gym is a waste of time for her because then she can't get things done. I'm glad you asked. Apparently 'brain fog' is a common term.
I'd suggest trying hunger over a weekend. But please be careful with it.<p>I've tried it several times and want to do it more. I fasted for 2 days max. It is like hangover upside down. You feel terrible for 2 days. But once you start eating again, you feel like a newborn.<p>Google on Evernote Ex-CEO Phil Libin's experience. Again, please be careful. Read on the process of quitting hunger first.<p>Be healthy!
It might be your breathing. Stand up, breathe deep and get a bit of oxygenated blood flowing to your brain. Go up and down a few flights of stairs if you can.<p>I find if I focus for an hour or so my breathing gets shallow and it was pushing my blood pressure up, and giving me brain fog. A quick bit if exercise (chores work for me because I work from home) fixes it up