Even though it isn’t classified as a medical condition, the pandemic has induced a brain fog in adults all around the world. Wondering what we mean? From menial everyday chores feeling like mammoth tasks to entering a room and forgetting what you wanted, if you are experiencing these symptoms more than ever, know that you aren’t alone.
“The inability to think clearly, mental fatigue, and anxiety are leading to decreased attention span and loss of concentration. This makes the mind feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless, ultimately making simple tasks seem difficult,” explains Dr Rashi Agarwal, a U.P.-based practising psychiatrist who specialises in Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) (read: mood management) and grief therapy. Some other symptoms of brain fog are irritability, disturbed sleep cycle, the urge to binge eat, and varying moods.
What’s caused this ‘pandemic brain fog’?
When you’re overwhelmed by stress, uncertainty, and worries, the emotional centre of your brain gets activated. This prevents you from thinking logically and clearly, and can also impact the rate at which you carry out your daily tasks and activities. “Lack of sleep is also a major factor that leads to fogginess. Persistent stress over time can, in the future, lead to clinical anxiety and depression,” describes Dr Agarwal.
Should we be alarmed?
Subtle symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, according to Dr. Agarwal, because the right treatment and lifestyle changes can go a long way in reversing this brain fog. Over the past year, life as we knew it has been disrupted and we’ve had to change the way we go about our daily activities. This can cause the mind to feel troubled and worried. “In 2019, the World Health Organization released a report which stated that depression would be the chief cause of ill health in the world by 2030. This was before the pandemic, and unfortunately, it seems like we’re about to hit the mark sooner rather than later,” explains Dr Agarwal.
So what can I do?
Here are some tips recommended by Dr Agarwal:
• “Maintain a regular sleep pattern to restore brain health and speed up its ability to function,” she says. Studies have also shown that sleep is literally like a reset button for your mind as the cerebrospinal fluids drain the toxins from your brain while you snooze.
• Exercise to improve blood flow and clear your head. This also causes the release of dopamine and serotonin, two hormones that regulate your mood.
• “Indulge in cognitively stimulating exercises like music and dancing as often as you can to elevate your mood.”
• Exercise your brain by participating in activities like puzzles, reading, and board games.
• Figure out a way to manage stress. It could be something as simple as noting down your thoughts, meditating, or even venting to a friend.