I’ve never been a fan of pants without elastic waistbands, but I know how to wear them. At least, I thought I did. Recently, I slipped into a pair of jeans and went to thread my belt through the loops, only to realize I couldn’t remember which side I usually started on. I just picked one and fastened it, but something felt off. Can a belt even feel off? I thought the excess fabric should be on the left. Or is it? I completely blanked on how to put on my own belt.
Normally, my memory is sharp, effortlessly recalling facts, essential tasks, grocery items, and everyone’s schedules. However, my recent confusion over something as simple as a belt has been a new and troubling experience. Over the past few months, I’ve noticed my brain struggling more than ever to remember things—if I remember at all. If you also find yourself with a corner of your garage overflowing with recycling and trash because you forgot it was pick-up day, you’re not alone. This pandemic has turned our brains into sieves.
Emma Smith shared with Home Insemination Kit that her mind feels “overloaded.” “Balancing work with literally 55 Zoom calls a week between my three kids (yes, I counted) leaves me forgetting something constantly,” she said. “I forget at least one Zoom class daily and often wander into a room only to forget what I was there for. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost track of where I’m driving, like my brain can’t handle driving and multitasking anymore.”
Is anyone else nodding vigorously in agreement? My anxiety levels have surged, and I can feel that tension in my bones. Then suddenly, I forget what I was supposed to be reading and writing about. This forgetfulness stems from the chronic stress we’ve all been under for far too long. For over a year now, we’ve been bombarded with multiple media sources daily while isolated or in small bubbles, with minimal interaction with friends, family, and co-workers. Research indicates that each of these factors adversely affects memory function, but when they overlap continuously? Forget it.
“We’re all dealing with some mild cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Mark Jones, a neuroscientist at UC Irvine. “Based on what we know about the brain, two things are excellent for it: physical activity and novelty. Chronic stress, however, is detrimental.”
Even if we’re managing this pandemic from a place of comfort, the unpredictability and boredom can alter our brains. Stress causes our bodies to release cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone that’s useful in short bursts but harmful when produced excessively over time. Too much cortisol can impair brain function, kill brain cells, and shrink the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for learning and memory. Add to this the underutilization of our hippocampus due to our monotonous routines, and we find ourselves in a cycle of forgetfulness.
“I was in the shower yesterday when I stopped to jot something down,” says Lily Carter. “Then I closed my left hand and was horrified to find a creamy substance oozing out. I panicked and washed my hands, only to remember it was just conditioner.”
Research and sales reports indicate that many people have turned to alcohol to cope with stress and boredom. While it may offer temporary relief, alcohol exacerbates the issue, as increased consumption leads to poorer working memory.
As vaccination rates rise and the weather improves, granting us more opportunities for outdoor activities, we still find ourselves in the thick of a dangerous pandemic. So, what can we do to combat COVID-19-related forgetfulness? Being intentional about adding variety to our days can help. Change your workspace if possible, listen to a podcast, read a new book, try a new recipe, or take a different route to the grocery store. Any change to your routine that challenges your brain is beneficial.
Incorporating more movement into your day is also crucial. Exercise enhances memory function, boosts mood, and aids sleep. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can help you fit in 5-10 minutes of movement multiple times a day. A safe walk with a friend can provide double benefits.
It’s essential to be kind to yourself during this time. We’re enduring a pandemic that we hope will never repeat. Recognize that functioning the same way we did before is unrealistic, and it will remain challenging even after we emerge from this situation. The pace we’ve tried to maintain is unhealthy and unsustainable. Celebrate your achievements instead of dwelling on your forgetfulness.
As Julie Green puts it: “I have ADHD, so the lack of consistency and structure means all my cues to get things done are missing, and I find myself staring blankly at the pantry with a plastic bag in hand, wondering what I’m doing.”
Take heart, friends. I wanted to offer you some comforting words, but I can’t seem to recall what they were.
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Summary:
The pandemic has led to increased forgetfulness and cognitive impairment due to chronic stress and isolation. Many people are struggling to remember simple tasks and are experiencing heightened anxiety levels. It is essential to incorporate variety into daily routines, exercise regularly, and be compassionate with oneself during these challenging times.