Throughout the past year, I’ve spoken to hundreds of clients who admit that the multitasking, stressors, and lack of quality sleep brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have created a kind of brain fog. After a year of isolation, coupled with extended, and often grueling, hours in front of screens all day, it makes sense that we’re experiencing quite a bit of mental overload. Our brains have been working exceptionally hard to adjust to the new abnormal, and this unsustainable pace has come at a cost. Constant mental fatigue has replaced mental quickness, and it has caused many of us to question whether we’re slowly losing our minds. Burnout is real!
If you’re currently struggling to recall basic words or experiencing fleeting short-term memory, I want to assure you that you’re not the only person feeling fuzzy in this way. In fact, at the time of writing this section, I’ve completely lost my train of thought on at least three separate occasions. It’s currently driving me bananas!
Many aspects of our pandemic lives have impaired our abilities to plan or think clearly. In fact, managing too many details at once can make you feel “foggy,” and also make you feel like your memory is on the decline. Although none of us are truly functioning at 100%, there are a few strategies we can employ to give our brains a little break.
Stop multitasking
As much as possible, focus on starting and finishing one task at a time. Resist the urge to jump back and forth from work-related to personal items. This strategy will help you feel less scattered and also give your brain a chance to save energy and improve its ability to store information. You might also surprise yourself by getting more done.
Go outside, regardless of the weather
Taking a short walk or spending time in nature can provide a natural reset for your mind. Studies have shown that time outdoors can decrease anxiety and improve your mood.
Do something mindless
Identify something that requires very little to no energy, and put your brain on autopilot.
Listen to music
Listening to music can have an incredibly relaxing effect on our minds and bodies. Research findings determined that classical music can have a beneficial impact on our physiological functions by slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
For more information on the impact of pandemic stress and multitasking on our memories, check out The Atlantic article, Late-Stage Pandemic Is Messing With Your Brain
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/03/what-pandemic-doing-our-brains/618221/