I’ve never been a fan of pants without elastic waistbands, but I understand how they work. Or at least, I thought I did. The other day, I put on a pair of jeans and went to thread my belt through the loops, only to find I couldn’t remember which side I typically start on. I randomly chose a side and fastened it, but it felt off. Can a belt even feel right? I thought the excess fabric was usually on the left—wasn’t it? I completely blanked on how to put on my own belt.
My ability to remember details and facts is usually strong; recalling important tasks, grocery items, and everyone’s schedules comes naturally to me. Yet, this belt confusion is a new phenomenon that has intensified over the past few months. As the pandemic drags on, my brain struggles harder to remember things—if I remember them at all. If your garage is cluttered with recycling and trash because you forgot to roll the bins out on pick-up day, know you’re not alone; this pandemic is turning our minds into sieves.
Sophia Anderson shared with me that her brain feels “overloaded.” “Balancing my work with 55 Zoom meetings a week for my three kids means I’m in a constant cycle of forgetting something,” she says. “I forget at least one Zoom class daily. I walk into a room and completely forget what I needed. I can’t even tell you how often I’ve lost track of where I’m driving; it’s as if I can’t multitask anymore.”
Anyone else’s neck sore from nodding in agreement? My anxiety has also spiked, leaving me stressed and overwhelmed. And then I forget what I was supposed to be focusing on. This is largely due to the chronic stress we have all endured for such a long period. We’ve been bombarded with multiple media streams daily for over a year, often in isolation or small bubbles with limited interaction with loved ones. Studies indicate that each of these factors negatively affects memory function, and when they overlap continuously, it’s a recipe for disaster.
“We all seem to be experiencing mild cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Alex Miller, a neuroscientist at UC Berkeley. “Two things that benefit the brain are physical activity and new experiences, while chronic stress is detrimental.” Even if we’re navigating this pandemic with some degree of comfort, the unpredictability and monotony can alter our brains. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a chemical that protects us in short bursts. However, prolonged stress leads to excessive cortisol, which can impair brain function, kill brain cells, and shrink the prefrontal cortex responsible for learning and memory. Combine this with the reduced activity of our hippocampus due to the repetitive nature of our days, and you get someone like Emily Ross.
“I was in the shower the other day and stopped to jot something down,” Emily recounted. “Then I closed my fist and was horrified to find a creamy substance oozing out. I quickly flung it off and washed my hands—only to remember it was conditioner.”
Reports and studies show that many people are coping with stress and boredom through alcohol consumption. While this may offer temporary relief, it ultimately exacerbates memory issues; increased drinking correlates with a decline in working memory.
Vaccination rates are rising and outdoor activities are becoming more accessible, yet we’re still in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. So, how can we improve or lessen the impacts of COVID-19-related forgetfulness? We can consciously 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 or take a different route to the grocery store. Any change that forces your brain to engage in different ways is beneficial.
Incorporating more physical activity into your day is also crucial. Exercise enhances memory and lifts your mood, helping with sleep. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can easily add 5-10 minutes of movement several times a day. A (COVID-safe) walk with a friend would be doubly beneficial.
It’s essential to be kind to yourself during this time. We are living through an unprecedented pandemic, and it’s unrealistic to expect to function as we did before. The pace we’ve been trying to maintain isn’t healthy or sustainable. Celebrate your accomplishments instead of critiquing your forgetfulness.
As Sarah Johnson aptly puts it, “With my ADHD, the lack of structure means all my cues for tasks are missing, and I find myself standing there, confused about why I’m holding a plastic bag in front of the pantry.”
Take heart, friends. I was going to offer you some comforting words, but I can’t recall what they were.
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Summary:
The late-stage pandemic is affecting our memory and attention, leading many to forget daily tasks and details. Chronic stress, isolation, and monotony have contributed to this cognitive decline. Strategies to combat these issues include introducing variety into daily routines and increasing physical activity. It’s crucial to be gentle with ourselves during this unprecedented time.