Author: Dr. Jennifer K. Renshaw, OTD, OTR/L, OTA/L
Certain types of lung cancer treatment may affect your thinking skills and some people notice changes in memory and thought processes during cancer treatment. This doesn’t have to mean a loss of independence. Throughout life we often adjust our way of living to better meet our needs.
For example, after moving to a new home, you may change where you store specific items because the space you are using has changed. In a similar way, your body can learn to store information in new ways, sometimes with the use of helpful tools. There are many ways to improve memory and thinking as you move through life and live with lung cancer.
8 Tips & Tools to Clear Brain Fog
- Get in a comfortable position: When you have a task that requires more thought, consider your body position. Being in a well-supported, comfortable position helps decrease cognitive demands because it allows your brain to focus on thinking instead of supporting your body. Sitting upright also helps improve breathing, which is important because a good flow of oxygen to your body and brain helps you think better. While it is best to do tasks sitting in a comfortable chair with your feet on the ground, you may have days where you have to be in bed or a recliner. A husband pillow can provide support on days when you need to remain in bed by providing support to your upper body.
- Remove distractions to calm your mind and body: A quiet environment with few distractions can improve your brain power because you can focus on the current task without other distractions. Find a place in your home that feels calm, free of clutter and quiet to complete tasks that require clear thinking. Relaxing sensory experiences can help your body and brain feel refreshed and think more clearly. Free smartphone apps are available to download that guide you through calming experiences. These apps on meditation, stretching exercises and calming music can all increase relaxation.
- Practice self-care: Your body requires refueling to perform well. Managing self-care with daily tasks such as showering, getting dressed and eating a good meal can help your brain perform better. Drinking water and staying hydrated increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain which may improve your mood, thinking and reduces stress. Special water bottles are now available to help you stay hydrated throughout your day.
- Figure out your timing sweet spot: Everyone has a different time of day when they perform best. You may be a morning person or someone who prefers to do things later in the day. Knowing the time of day when you perform your best is very important when you need to improve thinking. Determine which part of your day is best based on your personality, medical needs, overall schedule, and energy level. Ask yourself: “At what time of day do I feel the best?” and do tasks that require more thinking during that time.
- Explore new activities: When you explore new activities or learn something new, brain power is renewed, and your brain makes new connections and works faster. This also increases your ability to feel good about yourself, share something new with others and learn. An occupational therapist can help you explore new interests using an “interest checklist” or “interest inventory.”
- Mitigate stress by staying organized: Living with lung cancer creates stress in many areas and you may have days where your plate feels very full of managing appointments, medications, and the rest of your life’s responsibilities. Using lists and trackers to remind you of important routines throughout your day can be helpful when you are sorting through so much information. Most smartphones have reminder, calendar, and clock apps built-in to assist you with medication schedules, appointments, bill due dates, and anything else you may need. If you prefer writing down important dates instead, a simple daily planner that provides space for you to plan your day can also be helpful. Keeping things in your personal space organized can reduce stress, especially on days when you may feel overwhelmed.
- Observe your frustration: Our bodies are good at giving hints when we need something. Similar to our stomach growling when we are hungry, feeling frustrated is a sign to stop and take a minute to refresh our brain. Your attention to a task is split and you cannot focus when you’re frustrated. Try not to multi-task – complete small tasks with full focus instead. If you must complete a large task, this may require “chunking,” where you divide a l large task into smaller tasks. Remember to ask for help when needed and give yourself some grace and patience.
- Do what you love: Surrounding yourself with the people and activities you enjoy can change the way your body and brain deal with stress. Sometimes a short walk or chat on the phone with a friend can bring sunshine to a rough day. When we’re emotionally satisfied, our thinking is refreshed. Schedule time for yourself to enjoy simple or big things in life. Using a habit tracker to make sure you are regularly enjoying things you love will keep your heart full and your brain healthy.
Having lung cancer is stressful; remember you are not alone. Reach out for support and let people who love you assist in your journey. If you would like to learn more about ways to improve memory and thinking, connect with your healthcare team or an occupational therapist to address your specific needs.
About the Author: Dr. Jennifer K. Renshaw, OTD, OTR/L, OTA/L
Dr. Renshaw is the director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Cape Fear Community College. She has been an occupational therapy practitioner for 22 years in coastal North Carolina. Her passion in wellness writing comes from a desire to help people do what they love while living through each season in the journey of life. Dr. Renshaw spends her leisure time searching the beach for treasures, porch swinging with a glass of iced tea in hand, traveling, snuggling pets, and spending time with family. Please also read Dr. Renshaw’s first blog post for GO2 on Energy Conservation.
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