I’ve never been a fan of pants without elastic waistbands, but I know how to work with them. Recently, I slipped on a pair of jeans and reached for my belt, only to completely blank on which side I usually start with. I just chose one side and buckled it, but it felt all wrong. Can a belt even feel right? I thought the excess fabric typically hung on the left. Or did I forget? Somehow, I can’t even remember how to put on my own belt.
Normally, my memory is sharp; recalling facts, important tasks, grocery lists, and everyone’s schedules comes effortlessly to me. But this forgetfulness has escalated over the past few months. As we’ve lingered in this pandemic, it feels like my brain struggles more and more to retain information—if it remembers at all. If you also have a cluttered corner of your garage filled with recycling and trash because you forgot to roll the bins out on pickup day, know that you’re not alone. This pandemic has turned our minds into sieves.
Sarah Thompson shares with us that her brain feels “overloaded.” “Juggling my work with 55 Zoom meetings a week for my three kids (yes, I counted) means I’m always forgetting something,” she explains. “I forget at least one Zoom class daily. I walk into a room and can’t recall what I was there for. I can’t tell you how often I’ve lost track of where I’m driving, as if my brain can’t comprehend driving and multitasking anymore.”
Anyone else nodding vigorously in agreement? My anxiety has risen too, and I often forget what I was meant to read or write about. This forgetfulness stems from the chronic stress we’ve endured for so long. We’ve been multitasking through various media streams every day for over a year, all while being isolated or in tiny bubbles with minimal contact with friends and family. Studies show that each of these factors adversely affects memory function, and when they overlap constantly over time? We never stood a chance.
“We’re all experiencing some mild cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Mark Lewis, a neuroscientist at UC Irvine. “From what we understand about the brain, two things that are beneficial are physical activity and new experiences. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is detrimental.”
Even if we’re navigating this pandemic from a place of comfort and privilege, the unpredictability and monotony can alter our brains. Stress triggers our bodies to release cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone that’s helpful in short bursts. But prolonged stress means our body produces more cortisol than we can handle, which impairs brain function and can even kill brain cells. It also shrinks the prefrontal cortex, essential for learning and memory. Combine this with the limited usage of our hippocampus, and you’re left feeling like you’re stuck in a cycle of repetition.
“I was in the shower yesterday and paused to jot something down,” says Tara Lee. “Then I closed my left hand and was horrified to find a white, creamy substance oozing out. I panicked and washed my hands frantically before realizing it was just conditioner.”
Reports indicate that many have turned to alcohol to cope with stress and boredom. While it may offer temporary relief, drinking can worsen working memory.
Vaccination rates are climbing, and with spring weather, we have more opportunities for outdoor activities. However, we’re still very much in the grips of a dangerous pandemic. So how can we tackle or lessen the effects of pandemic-related forgetfulness? We can intentionally introduce variety into our daily routines. If possible, change your work environment, listen to a podcast, read a book, or try a new recipe. Taking a different route to the grocery store can also stimulate your brain.
Incorporating more movement into your day is beneficial too. Exercise not only enhances memory function but also uplifts your mood and improves sleep. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can easily add 5-10 minutes of movement to your day, multiple times. A safe walk with a friend can amplify these benefits.
Lastly, it’s crucial to be gentle with yourself. We are living through what we hope will be the only pandemic we ever face. Remind yourself that it’s unrealistic to function as we did before, and even after the pandemic, adjustments will still be necessary. The pace we’ve tried to maintain is neither healthy nor sustainable. Instead of criticizing yourself for missed tasks, take pride in what you’ve accomplished.
As Jamie Collins puts it, “I have ADHD, so a lack of consistency and structure means I often lose track of what I’m doing. I’ll find myself staring blankly at my pantry, clutching a plastic bag, wondering, ‘What am I even doing here?’ It’s just The Blur.”
Take heart, everyone. I intended to offer more words of comfort, but I can’t seem to recall what they were.
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Summary:
The pandemic has left many feeling forgetful and overwhelmed, with chronic stress affecting our cognitive functions. As we navigate these unprecedented times, it’s essential to introduce variety into our routines, increase physical activity, and practice self-compassion. Understanding that it’s normal to struggle during this period can help alleviate some pressure.