I’ve never been a fan of pants without elastic waistbands, but I usually manage just fine with them. Recently, however, I slipped into a pair of jeans and found myself stumped when it came to threading my belt through the loops. I couldn’t recall which side I typically started on. After a moment of hesitation, I chose a side and buckled it, but something felt off. Can a belt actually feel right? I thought the excess fabric usually hung on the left. Or was it the right? I had completely forgotten how to put on my own belt.
Typically, my memory and attention to detail are sharp. Remembering facts, important tasks, grocery lists, and everyone’s schedules comes easily to me. But this newfound forgetfulness has been creeping in more frequently over the past few months. As the pandemic lingers, it feels like my brain has to work harder to retain information—even if I manage to remember it at all. If your garage is overflowing with recycling and trash because you forgot to put out the bins on pick-up day, rest assured, you’re not alone. This pandemic has turned our minds into sieves.
Samantha Jones shares her struggles with Scary Mommy: “My brain feels overloaded. Juggling my job with 55 Zoom calls a week for my four kids (yes, I counted) puts me in a constant state of forgetting something,” she admits. “I forget at least one Zoom class daily and often walk into a room only to forget what I needed. I’ve even lost track of where I was driving, as if my brain can no longer multitask.”
Anyone else nodding in agreement so hard your neck hurts? My anxiety has also surged, and I often lose track of what I was supposed to be reading or writing. This forgetfulness stems from enduring chronic stress for an extended period. We’ve been multitasking with various media streams daily for over a year, often in isolation or tiny bubbles, with minimal contact with friends and family. Research indicates that these factors negatively affect memory function, and when they overlap continuously for so long, we’re left with little chance for clarity.
As Mike Yassa, a neuroscientist at UC Irvine, tells The Atlantic, “We’re all walking around with some mild cognitive impairment. Two things that benefit the brain are physical activity and novelty, while chronic stress is detrimental.” Even those of us navigating the pandemic with some degree of comfort and privilege are affected. The stress of unpredictability and boredom can alter our brain function. Under chronic stress, our bodies produce excess cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone. Although it’s beneficial in short bursts, prolonged stress leads to an overproduction of cortisol, which can damage brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for learning and memory.
Elena Brown experienced this firsthand: “The other day, while in the shower, I paused to jot something down. Then, I closed my left hand and was horrified to discover a white, creamy substance squishing out. I frantically tossed it off and washed my hands only to realize it was conditioner!”
Reports and studies indicate that many have turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. While it may offer temporary relief, drinking can worsen working memory over time.
Vaccination rates are rising, and the improving weather offers more outdoor opportunities, but the pandemic is still very real. So, how can we combat the forgetfulness brought on by COVID-19? We need to be more intentional about adding variety to our routines. If possible, switch up 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 change in routine that forces your brain to engage differently can be beneficial.
Incorporating more physical activity into your day can also help. Exercise not only enhances memory function but also boosts mood and improves sleep. Activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can easily add 5-10 minutes of movement throughout your day. A (COVID-safe) walk with a friend could be even more advantageous.
Above all, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. We’re navigating through what we hope will be the only pandemic in our lifetimes. Understand that it’s unrealistic to function as we did before, and even after this is over, many challenges will remain. The pace we’ve been trying to maintain isn’t healthy or sustainable. Celebrate your achievements instead of criticizing yourself for the slip-ups.
As Lily Adams aptly puts it, “With ADHD, a lack of structure makes all my cues disappear. I often find myself standing in the pantry, confused, clutching a plastic bag.” It’s been a year of living in a fog.
Take heart, everyone. I was going to offer a final comforting thought, but I can’t quite remember what it was.
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Summary:
As we navigate the late stages of the pandemic, many of us are experiencing forgetfulness and cognitive strain due to chronic stress, isolation, and lack of mental stimulation. This article explores how these factors have led to widespread memory issues and offers practical advice for combating them, such as introducing variety to daily routines and increasing physical activity. It’s essential to be gentle with ourselves during this challenging time.