Testimony: How I Found Mental Clarity Through Faith
About twenty years ago, while waiting at the dentist's office, I flipped through a parenting magazine and came across an advertisement that caught my eye. It asked: "Have you experienced any of the following symptoms? Feeling nervous? Shortness of breath? Feeling foggy-headed? An inability to think clearly?"
I remember thinking, "This medicine might be exactly what I need." The ad described symptoms that I was all too familiar with: feeling dazed and mentally slow, as if my head were wrapped in fog or weighed down by something heavy. I was curious to learn more about this miracle cure.
Back then, I leaned toward natural remedies, such as herbal teas and dietary changes, believing they were gentler and safer than conventional medications, which often have serious side effects. So, after a quick glance at the ad, I turned the page and forgot about it.
Years later, that memory came back to me. Since becoming a Christian four years ago, I’ve become more mindful of brain health, recognizing its importance for daily functioning and spiritual growth. Many of the blogs and news sources that I follow through my church emphasize mental clarity and discuss the risks of psychiatric medications.
Out of curiosity, I searched online using the keywords I remembered from the ad. I was surprised to find that the medication is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. I was shocked that something so powerful had been advertised so casually in a mainstream parenting magazine.
Of course, brain fog can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, but often it's simply part of being human. It can be triggered by various factors, including hormonal changes such as menopause or PMS, inflammation, poor sleep, and stress. In short, almost anyone can experience brain fog at some point in life.
Over the years, I’ve explored many ways to manage it without turning to psychiatric drugs. One approach that has worked for me is changing my diet. After much experimentation, I realized that what to avoid can matter more than what to add.
These days, I try to eat a varied diet but stay away from highly processed foods, especially those loaded with chemical seasonings. I’ve noticed that those tend to cloud my mind. For example, I love ramen, but I make my own using homemade chicken stock instead of instant seasoning packets. And although I have a sweet tooth, I stick to old-fashioned candies made with simple ingredients—real sugar, nothing artificial. I avoid sugar-free snacks and anything filled with additives.
(At some point, I’ll share more about why I believe that, when consumed in moderation, sugar plays an important role in brain function, despite modern narratives that villainize it.)
The Simple Power of Oxygen
One of the most accessible and underrated ways to support mental clarity is also the simplest: oxygen. The benefits of aerobic exercise and spending time outdoors, especially in nature, are well known. Activities like forest bathing and walking in the countryside are relaxing and improve oxygen intake, which helps the body and brain thrive.
Even something as simple as adding houseplants to your surroundings can make a difference. In my home, I grow spider plants, aloe vera, and snake plants, which are known for their ability to purify the air and release oxygen. Snake plants are especially fascinating because they reportedly emit oxygen around the clock. They’re low-maintenance and multiply quickly, making them ideal for a healthier living space.
Breathing in clean, oxygen-rich air might seem obvious, yet it’s often overlooked when discussing ways to stay mentally sharp and physically balanced. Despite its simplicity, many aspects of modern life can interfere with our ability to efficiently absorb oxygen.
Take smoking and alcohol, for instance—both well-known for their negative health effects, and both known to restrict oxygen absorption. I’ve never been a smoker, but I used to drink socially. After becoming a Christian, I learned how alcohol can dull spiritual sensitivity and hinder growth. I decided to stop drinking altogether, and the effects were almost immediate: I felt lighter, more energetic, and even my skin began to improve.
One specific change I noticed was the reduction of dark circles under my eyes. I had never realized how much oxygen levels affect physical appearance. When blood is low in oxygen, it can appear darker and show through the thin skin under the eyes more clearly.
Our emotional and mental states also impact how we breathe—and therefore, how much oxygen we take in. Stress, anxiety, and low moods activate the sympathetic nervous system, which often causes shallow breathing. Poor posture from desk work or long hours on a smartphone can worsen this without us even noticing.
Because I’ve long been aware of my tendency toward depression, I’ve learned to be proactive. Whenever I feel mentally sluggish or emotionally weighed down, especially after spending too much time indoors, I go for a walk outside. Fresh air and movement do more than just lift my mood; they reset my mind.
Finding Clarity Beyond Breath
Changing my lifestyle to support better oxygen intake has helped me improve both my physical health and my emotional outlook. Breathing deeply, walking outside, and surrounding myself with nature have all become part of a simple, sustainable wellness routine. Anyone can do it; it doesn’t require expensive tools or expert knowledge. But even something as essential as oxygen has its limits.
Years ago, I tried to manage my depression by going for long walks or slow runs. It usually helped. But one day, while jogging, a dark thought entered my mind and refused to leave. My energy vanished. I stopped running. I couldn’t push through it anymore.
That moment taught me something important: brain fog, anxiety, and emotional heaviness aren’t always things we can conquer on our own. Despite all my efforts—natural remedies, diet changes, exercise—I needed something deeper. For me, that answer came through faith.
Since becoming a Christian, I’ve learned to pray and to connect with God personally. I’ve also experienced the deep peace and joy that comes from receiving the Holy Spirit. There are times when I’m so content and full of clarity that I wonder, "Is it really okay to feel this good?"
Of course, negative thoughts still come up. Life isn’t perfect. But I’ve learned tools through my church community that help clear the mental fog and reconnect with peace—practices like prayer, meditating on Scripture, and aligning my thoughts with God's perspective.
I believe now that true healing—mental, emotional, and spiritual—is possible. And I love sharing what I’ve learned.
If you're interested in more reflections like this, along with insights on health, culture, history, and everyday life, I invite you to check out my Substack blog. There, I share personal stories, practical advice, and timeless wisdom for a clear mind and a full heart.
