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I’ve never been fond of pants that lack elastic waistbands, but I know how to wear them. Or at least I thought I did. Recently, I slipped on a pair of jeans and when I went to thread my belt through the loops, I couldn’t remember which side I typically start on. I randomly chose a side and buckled it, but something felt off. Is it possible for a belt to feel wrong? I had this fleeting thought that the excess fabric should be on the left—was I right? I completely blanked on how to put on my own belt.
Normally, my memory is sharp; recalling facts, important tasks, shopping lists, and everyone’s schedules comes easily. But lately, this confusion and forgetfulness have escalated. As the pandemic drags on, my mind seems to struggle more with remembering things—if I remember at all. If you find yourself with a garage overflowing with recycling because you forgot to roll out the bins on collection day, you’re not alone. This pandemic has turned our brains into sieves.
Elena Martinez shares with Home Insemination Kit that her mind feels “overloaded.” “Juggling work alongside 55 Zoom calls a week for my three kids (yes, I counted) has me in a constant state of forgetting something,” she explains. “I forget at least one Zoom class each day. I often walk into a room and forget why I went there. There are countless times I’ve lost track of where I was driving because my brain can’t seem to handle multitasking anymore.”
Anyone else nodding vigorously in agreement? My anxiety has also surged, and I can feel that tension in my bones. At times, I’ve even forgotten what I was supposed to be reading and writing. This forgetfulness stems from being in a prolonged state of chronic stress. For over a year, we’ve been multitasking across various media streams daily, often in isolation with little variation in our routines. Studies indicate that such conditions can harm memory function, and when combined over an extended period? We never stood a chance.
“We’re all experiencing mild cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Alan Green, a neuroscientist at UC Irvine. “Based on what we know about the brain, physical activity and novelty are beneficial, while chronic stress is detrimental.” Even if we’re navigating the pandemic from a place of comfort, the unpredictability and monotony can alter our brains. When stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a chemical helpful in short bursts for survival. However, continuous stress leads to excess cortisol, which can harm brain function, potentially kill brain cells, and shrink the prefrontal cortex—home to our learning and memory skills. Coupled with a lack of stimulation from our daily routines, this creates a cycle of forgetfulness.
Jessica Foster recounts, “I was in the shower yesterday and stopped to jot something down. When I closed my left hand, I was horrified to find a white, creamy substance oozing out. I panicked and washed my hands, only to remember it was conditioner.”
Research shows that many people have turned to alcohol as a way to cope with stress and boredom. While this may offer short-term relief, it can worsen memory function.
As vaccination rates rise and the weather improves, giving us more options for outdoor activities, we still find ourselves navigating a perilous pandemic. So, how can we counteract COVID-19-related forgetfulness? One way is to intentionally introduce variety into our days. Change your work location if possible, listen to a podcast, or pick up a new book. Experiment with a new recipe or take a different route to the grocery store. Anything that breaks the routine and engages your brain in new ways can be beneficial.
Incorporating more physical activity can also help. Exercise not only improves memory function but also elevates mood and enhances sleep quality. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can easily add 5-10 minutes of movement throughout your day. A COVID-safe walk with a friend can be even more uplifting.
It’s crucial to be kind to yourself during this time. We’re living through an unprecedented event that we hope to never experience again. Accept that it’s impossible to function as we did before the pandemic, and even after it ends, challenges will remain. The pace we’ve been trying to maintain is unsustainable. Celebrate your achievements instead of criticizing yourself for the things you forget.
Julie Lane captures the sentiment perfectly: “I have ADHD, so the lack of consistency and structure means I’m often left wondering, ‘What am I doing with this plastic bag in my hand while staring at the pantry?’ I don’t know. I just find myself there, staring. It’s all a blur.”
Take heart, friends. I had something comforting to say, but I can’t remember what it was.
For more insights, check out this blog post and learn about essential resources like this one for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The pandemic has led many of us to experience forgetfulness and cognitive overload. Chronic stress, isolation, and monotony can impair memory function. It’s essential to introduce variety into our routines and engage in physical activity to improve mental clarity. Practicing self-compassion during this challenging time is crucial as we navigate new normals.
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