It’s been a while since I’ve been wrestling with what many refer to as “Mom Brain.” I frequently misplace my keys, find my phone in the fridge, and often forget what I was searching for. I used to think these moments were just part of parenting. However, in the last few months, my brain fog has escalated alarmingly, and I suspect the pandemic is exacerbating it.
Over the summer, I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on tasks like reading and writing. My ability to recall thoughts faded, especially when interrupted. Initially, I blamed the challenge of managing virtual schooling for my four kids, which is a constant battle for focus. Every quarter of an hour, I find myself helping with assignments, troubleshooting tech issues, or soothing a child’s meltdown. But even during school breaks, my mental clarity eluded me.
Completing tasks now takes me twice as long; it’s as if I’m moving through mental quicksand. This is particularly challenging for me as a writer. I often lose track of the day and confuse my kids’ schedules multiple times a week. There have even been instances where I’ve completely forgotten my destination while driving. One time, I mistakenly poured dog food into my salad instead of the dog dish, and yes, I shed a few tears over a wasted dish of fudge I accidentally put in the washing machine instead of the fridge.
This overwhelming experience raised concerns for me about my mental health. I started questioning if I was losing my mind, facing early menopause, or potentially dealing with a medical issue. After discussing my symptoms with my therapist, gynecologist, and naturopathic doctor, I discovered I was suffering from pandemic brain fog—something many others are experiencing too.
The chronic stress of living through this ongoing pandemic is affecting all of us. Juggling work, managing a household, and helping kids with virtual schooling while navigating the mental weight of the pandemic has strained our cognitive abilities. Whether you call it pandemic brain fog, brain fatigue, or quarantine brain, the inability to think clearly is a common response to these unprecedented circumstances.
According to a BBC article, psychologists suggest that Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) may explain the brain fog many are experiencing during this time. Developed by Australian educational psychologist John Sweller, CLT views the mind as a system for processing information. It identifies how our brains use working memory for new information and long-term memory for knowledge we’ve already acquired. As new information overloads our working memory, we struggle to access the autopilot mode we rely on as busy moms. The heightened stress and anxiety further limit our cognitive capacity.
Psychotherapist Mia Taylor explains that when stressed, our bodies release cortisol, the hormone that helps us manage difficult situations. However, prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can lead to brain fog and other issues. So, rest assured, you are not losing your mind—your brain is merely overwhelmed and trying to protect itself.
To counteract pandemic brain fog, prioritizing self-care is essential. Mia suggests getting adequate rest and nurturing both your body and mind. If you notice brain fog creeping in, don’t hesitate to take a break. Establishing a routine for yourself and your family can also help minimize confusion and reduce stress. Pay attention to any triggers that may be exacerbating your brain fog and address those underlying issues.
This pandemic has dramatically altered our daily lives, disrupting routines and increasing isolation while parenting responsibilities have multiplied. It’s important to acknowledge any brain fog you may be feeling and take steps to prioritize your mental and emotional health. Doing so can help you maintain your sanity during these challenging times.
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In summary, the pandemic has created a unique set of challenges that contribute to a phenomenon known as brain fog. Acknowledging this experience and implementing strategies for self-care can assist in managing mental clarity during these unpredictable times.