brain fog, an invisible enemy of productivity
Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, but a common term for mental decline, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slow reaction and stagnant thinking. This condition often occurs when the body is exhausted, lack of sleep, prolonged stress or hormonal imbalance.
According to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, the phenomenon of brain fog significantly affects work performance and the quality of daily life. That is why many mental health experts call for people to pay attention to mental recovery solutions during the day, including the Inemuri method from Japan.
What is inemuri?
Inemuri in Japanese means slow while still present. Unlike normal napping, Inemuri is a quiet short sleep that often occurs when sitting directly in a public place such as a train, office or waiting room. In Japan, Inemuri is not considered lazy but a sign that the person works so hard that he is exhausted.
Inemuri allows the brain to rest without completely interrupting work. This is a short-term way of relaxation but has long-term effects in mental recovery, said Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, a mental health expert at Mindful TMS Neurocare Institute (India).
This sleep only lasts for 10-20 minutes, enough to improve alertness, enhance memory and responsiveness. A study published in the Partners in Creative Research Journal also shows that short sleep like Inemuri significantly improves work performance.
How to practice Inemuri properly
Choose the right time and place: Prioritize quiet places with less inconvenience such as office rooms, train seats, waiting chairs.
Keeping your sitting up straight: You can rest your back on a wall or chair but not lie down as long as traditional sleep.
Schedule: It is best to sleep 15 - 20 minutes. Sleeping too much can cause dizziness and affect sleep at night.
Relax and close your eyes: Take a deep breath, relax your body and let yourself rest naturally.
Although the effectiveness can vary from person to person, Inemuri is considered a method suitable for modern busy life. However, if the "brain fog" condition persists, you should see a doctor to rule out the underlying cause of the disease.