I’ve never been a fan of pants without elastic waistbands, but I manage to wear them. Recently, I slipped into a pair of jeans and when it came time to thread my belt through the loops, I completely blanked on which side I usually start from. I just picked one, but it didn’t feel quite right. Can a belt even feel right? I thought the excess fabric should be on the left, or was it the right? I completely forgot how to put on my own belt.
My memory and attention to detail are typically sharp; I can recall facts, important tasks, grocery lists, and everyone’s schedules with what now feels like effortless ease. Yet, this recent belt blunder is a new experience for me, one that seems to worsen as the months of the pandemic drag on. The longer we’re in this situation, the more my brain struggles to hold onto information—if I remember at all. If your garage is overflowing with recycling and trash because you forgot to roll the bins out on pick-up day, you’re not alone. The pandemic has turned our minds into sieves.
Sarah Mitchell shared with Home Insemination Kit that her brain feels “overloaded.” “Juggling my work with 55 Zoom meetings each week for my four kids (yes, I counted) means I’m in a constant cycle of forgetting something,” she explains. “I forget at least one Zoom class daily. I walk into a room and can’t recall what I intended to do. I even lose track of where I’m driving because my mind seems unable to manage driving and other thoughts simultaneously.” Anyone else nodding vigorously in agreement?
My anxiety levels have skyrocketed, and I can feel the stress weighing me down. Then I forget what I was supposed to be reading and writing about. This forgetfulness stems from prolonged chronic stress. For over a year, we’ve been multitasking across various media platforms every day, often in isolation or small bubbles with minimal social interaction. Research indicates that each of these factors hampers memory function, and when combined over an extended period? Forget it.
“We’re all experiencing some mild cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Mark Taylor, a neuroscientist at UC Irvine. “Based on current brain research, we know that physical activity and novelty are beneficial, while chronic stress is detrimental.” Even if we navigate this pandemic from a place of comfort and privilege, the unpredictability and monotony can still alter our brains. Under stress, our bodies produce cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone that, while useful in short bursts, becomes harmful when produced in excess. This overabundance of cortisol can impair brain function, kill brain cells, and shrink the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for learning and memory. Combine this with a stagnated hippocampus due to the repetitive nature of our days, and you have a recipe for forgetfulness.
“I was in the shower yesterday when I paused to write something down,” recalls Jenna Williams. “I clenched my left hand and was horrified to find a white, creamy substance oozing out. In a panic, I flung it off and washed my hands, only to remember it was conditioner.” Research and sales reports indicate that many individuals are coping with stress and boredom through alcohol. While this may provide temporary relief, alcohol can exacerbate cognitive issues, leading to poorer memory function.
As vaccination rates rise and the weather improves, offering more outdoor activities, we still find ourselves entrenched in a perilous pandemic. So, how can we combat COVID-19-related forgetfulness? We can intentionally introduce variety into our routines. If possible, change your work environment. Listen to a podcast or dive into a new book. Experiment with a new recipe. Take a different route to the grocery store. Any shift in routine that challenges your brain is beneficial.
Incorporating more physical activity into your day is also crucial. Exercise not only enhances memory function but also elevates your mood and improves sleep quality. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or dancing for just 5-10 minutes several times a day can be effective. A (COVID-safe) stroll with a friend can amplify these benefits.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. We are navigating what we hope will be the only pandemic we ever face. Understand that functioning as we did before COVID-19 is unrealistic, and it will continue to be challenging even after we emerge from this. The pace we’ve been trying to maintain is neither healthy nor sustainable. Celebrate your achievements instead of criticizing your missteps.
Jenna sums it up perfectly: “I have ADHD, so when there’s no consistency or structure, I miss all the cues I need to get things done, and I’m left standing there, thinking, ‘What am I doing with this plastic bag in my hand, staring at the pantry?’ I don’t have a clue. I’m just there. It’s The Blur. The past year has been an immersion into The Blur.”
Take heart, friends. I intended to offer more comforting words, but I seem to have forgotten what they were.
For further insights on overcoming the challenges of home insemination, check out this blog post or visit Make A Mom for expert advice on fertility journeys. For more detailed information about pregnancy options, this Wikipedia entry serves as an excellent resource.
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Summary:
The late-stage pandemic has left many feeling forgetful and overwhelmed due to chronic stress and monotony. Experts suggest that the combination of prolonged isolation, multitasking, and lack of physical activity has contributed to a decline in cognitive function. Introducing variety into daily routines, engaging in physical exercise, and being gentle with oneself are vital strategies for managing these challenges.
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