On November 22, 2011, I conducted a "Brain Fog: Ongoing Practice" seminar at Wellspring Westerkirk House (formerly Wellspring Sunnybrook). The ongoing practice seminar is a single, 2.5 hour session designed specifically for those who have completed the Brain Fog program. In this session, participants have an opportunity to: 1) review the three main components to maximizing cognition (memory, task management, psychological well-being), 2) discuss cognitive concerns that continue to be bothersome, 3) practice memory and task management through a series of exercises, and 4) learn to identify and resolve additional factors contributing to cognitive difficulties (such as fatigue, pain, nutrition, exercise, psychological well-being). Not only is this program designed to be a 'top-up' session to maximize individual cognitive capacity but it is also a great opportunity to reconnect with previous participants. We love seeing and hearing from those who have taken the course!

The "Ongoing Practice" seminar is primarily discussion-based with participants who are at various stages of recovery and survivorship and are learning from one another. One of the participants in this November 22nd seminar had "graduated" from our Brain Fog program five years earlier, and another had just completed the course. I can't imagine a more perfect blend than when you have old alumni and new alumni working together to maximize thinking capacity. Not surprisingly, the comment that surfaced more often than any other was "I know these techniques work and I know I function well when I use them, I just need to keep reminding myself to use them". We all need the occasional 'refresher' and 'reminder'. So while you wait for the next ongoing practice seminar to run, pull out your blue Brain Fog course folders and review the materials that were covered during the eight weeks. If you do notice changes, or feel like your cognitive skills are starting to slip, log the incidents, evaluate what happened and why, and dust off those cognitive tools in your toolbox and start using them. Of course, don't hesitate to contact us, we are here to help. Be well, think well!

Posted by Heather, December 5, 2011