This post is sponsored by Zynga, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I remember always hearing the jokes about mom brain prior to having kids, but never fully realized just how real it is until finally having my own! While the worst of it seems to be that first year after having a baby, even 2 years later I still feel the effects of “the fog” two years later. Talking with other mom friends, they all tell me the same: mom brain is real. Forgetfulness, memory lapses and a general feeling of brain sluggishness seems to plague most parents (dads too). Being in the midst of parenting is exhausting at times, both mentally and physically. With so many different things vying for our attention – caring for children, working, extended family, keeping a house somewhat live-able, and personal care – our brains are overloaded.

In this post I’m sharing five different tips and steps you can take to help bust out of the mom brain fuzz and boost your brain.

How To Battle Mommy Brain Fog:

Do Puzzles

You know the phrase “use it or lose it”? Puzzles that flex your brain are great for moving out the fog and helping create clarity. Brain teasers, logic puzzles and word puzzles are a great and super easy way to kelp your brain recharge. I love taking a few minutes throughout the day to play Words With Friends 2 on my phone to help strengthen and exercise my brain.

Words With Friends is a word puzzle and it’s one of my favorites because you can hop on and play a few minutes at a time (I love playing while waiting for dinner to finish or during the kids quiet time) which makes it perfect for #momlife. Playing with friends and family that live farther away is a great way to have a little friendly competition and catch-up on each others lives while on-the-go.

Come join me on Words With Friends 2! My username is AmberStarr82.

Exercise

There’s pretty much nothing that a little bit of movement can’t fix! Increasing your heart rate and breathing is a great way to give your brain a little boost of oxygen. Exercising also reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and releases endorphins to help you feel more relaxed and upbeat.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is so important to our overall health and dehydration can create symptoms that are similar to dementia. If you’re feeling sluggish or have that fuzzy brain feeling, drink a large glass of water to help re-energize and fuel your brain with important H2O!

Take a Break From Mom Life

I’m a firm believer that sometimes you need to extract yourself from the everyday moments of motherhood to help recharge your mind, body and spirit. Whether it’s something as simple as taking a bath, napping, playing a game of Words With Friends with a long lost friend, hitting up a yoga class, journal or just reading a book, taking a moment for yourself or to rest is needed to help unwind and recharge to avoid mommy brain.

Stimulate the Senses

Stimulating the senses can be a great way to give the brain a little pick-me-up. Music has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory skills as well as having mood boosting properties (plus a good tune always helps me get into a better mood!).

Some essential oils can have some great benefits for boosting and stimulating the brain. A few of my favorite oils that can help increase alertness, awareness and have uplifting properties are:

• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Peppermint
• Basil
• Eucalyptus
• Lemon
• Rosemary

I love putting a few drops of orange, eucalyptus and lavender in the diffuser anytime that I feel like I could use an energizing boost.

My son loves learning his letters and helping me build words.

Did/do you have mommy brain moments?
Do you play Words With Friends 2? Play a game with me if you do! 😉