I’ve never been a fan of pants without elastic waistbands, but I know how to wear them. Or at least, I thought I did. The other day, I slipped on a pair of jeans and, as I reached to thread my belt through the loops, I suddenly couldn’t recall which side I usually started on. I randomly picked one and buckled it, but it felt off. Can a belt even feel off? I assumed the extra fabric should be on the left, but maybe it’s the right? I completely forgot how to put on my own belt!
Normally, my memory and attention to detail are sharp; remembering facts, important tasks, and everyone’s schedules comes naturally to me. But lately, this forgetfulness has been escalating. As the pandemic stretches on, my brain seems to struggle more with remembering things—and that’s if I remember at all. If you find yourself with a pile of recycling in the garage because you forgot to take it out on collection day, you’re not alone. This pandemic has turned our minds into sieves.
Elena Thompson, a fellow parent, shared with me, “My brain is on overload. With 55 Zoom calls a week for my four kids, I’m always forgetting something. I forget a Zoom class daily, and I can’t even count how many times I’ve walked into a room and lost track of why I went in there. Driving feels like a struggle because my mind can’t handle it all.” Does anyone else feel a sore neck from nodding in agreement? The stress is palpable, and I often find myself forgetting what I intended to write or read.
Chronic stress has become our everyday norm. We’ve been juggling multiple media streams for over a year, often in isolation or small bubbles, with limited interaction outside our immediate circles. Research indicates that these factors negatively impact our memory, and when they overlap over an extended period, it’s like we never had a chance.
“We’re all experiencing some mild cognitive impairment,” remarks Dr. Andrew Phelps, a neuroscientist. “From what we understand about the brain, physical activity and new experiences are beneficial, while chronic stress is detrimental.” Even those of us navigating this pandemic from a place of comfort feel the effects of unpredictability and boredom on our brains. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that’s protective in short bursts but becomes harmful when produced excessively. Too much cortisol can impair memory functions and damage brain cells over time.
Elena also shared a humorous moment: “I was in the shower and stopped to jot down a note. I closed my hand and was horrified to find conditioner oozing out. I panicked, rinsed it off, and then remembered it was just conditioner!”
Reports show that many have turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism during these stressful times. While it may offer short-term relief, it can worsen memory issues over time.
As vaccination rates rise and the weather improves, we still find ourselves in the thick of this pandemic. So how can we combat this forgetfulness? It’s essential to introduce variety into our daily routines. Change your work location if possible, try a new recipe, or take a different route to the grocery store. Anything that disrupts monotony and stimulates your brain can be beneficial.
Adding movement to your day is also crucial. Exercise not only enhances memory function but also boosts your mood and improves sleep. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can help incorporate movement into your day. A (COVID-safe) walk with a friend could be doubly beneficial.
Above all, be kind to yourself. We’re living through a unique global experience, and it’s unrealistic to expect that we can function as we did before. Recognize that the pace we’ve been trying to maintain is unhealthy. Celebrate your accomplishments instead of berating yourself for the small slip-ups.
As Jenna Roberts puts it, “I have ADHD, and with the lack of structure, I often find myself standing in front of the pantry, wondering, ‘What am I doing with this plastic bag?’ It’s been a blur—this past year has felt like an endless cycle of confusion.”
Take heart, friends. I wanted to offer you more words of comfort, but I can’t seem to remember what they were.
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Summary:
The late-stage pandemic is affecting many of us by impairing our memory and attention. Chronic stress, isolation, and routine monotony contribute to forgetfulness and cognitive impairment. To alleviate these effects, we should introduce variety into our daily routines, exercise more, and practice self-compassion.