Fewer events means a decreased amount of anchor points to help your brain encode new memories.
The pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. From the physical impact of sickness and reduced activities, to the mental force of being isolated from the comfort and connection of those near and dear to us, this time is leaving its mark. Experts are saying that pandemic living has also had the ability to affect your memory. How is this possible? Here’s a look.
How the pandemic is impacting memory
If you’ve been feeling like it’s more difficult to remember what you watched on TV yesterday, and what you last talked about with your friends on the phone, there could be a good reason for it. According to Amir-Homayoun Javadi, a senior lecturer in cognitive psychology/cognitive neuroscience in the UK who spoke with CNN, the pandemic has presented many scenarios that can impact our memory.
The similarity of days when things are closed down to prevent the spread of the virus can impact what your brain can encode and remember. A lack of regular social interaction can do this as well. If you work from home, the sameness of your daily routine can take away anchor events that can help you organize your memories. If you were to eat lunch out with a friend, for example, this event would help you organize memories of things that happened before this lunch, and after. Maybe you visited your aunt the day before going out for lunch. And perhaps you had your car serviced two days after. These additional events are easier to remember with the lunch taking place.
Related: 3 Ways to Boost Your Memory Right Now
Without many anchor events in your experiential landscape, making new memories can become a foggier task.
What about social interaction? Talking to other people about events in our lives can also help us build memories. This type of interaction can decrease when social distancing and closures are in effect. Without the practice of sharing and repeating stories with others, it can be harder to remember things.
“We tend to habituate and get used to situations,” Javadi told CNN. “The situation for the past two years has pushed us to not do much and not to plan.”
The result can be a damaged ability to remember things and encode new knowledge.
How to stimulate your memory
One way experts infer you can strengthen your memory making abilities is to have a larger purpose in your life. Research has shown that people who feel a sense of purpose can often recall vivid details more easily than those who don’t have this. Of course, it can be hard to suddenly find your purpose if you don’t have one but striving for one can help.
It can also be beneficial to cover your regular health bases. Learn new things, eat well, sleep well, interact with your friends, and get regular exercise. Try to engage in activities that calm your brain, like meditation, and time spent in quiet environments. Increasing blood flow to your brain and minimizing inflammation are key.
Plan and schedule things to look forward to. Draw clear boundaries between your work time and play time.
Fuzzy brain and COVID-19
What if you have caught COVID-19 and your symptoms are lingering? For some people, the “brain fog” the viral infection can cause may last a while. Go with your gut and stay connected with your doctor about the issue. COVID “brain fog” can last for months but if it seems to be lingering too long, something else may be at play. Connect with a health professional about your concerns and consider meeting with a neurologist.
For more on boosting your brain power and staying sharp, click here.
photo credits: Lidiia/Shutterstock.com
