Doctor says weekly covid tests are ‘colossal waste of money’
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Covid symptoms are well known to everyone by now and include loss of smell and taste, coughing and shortness of breath. But the pandemic causes symptoms beyond individual infection, some of them which may mirror those of other disorders. One of these is a lack of concentration, otherwise known as brain fog, which can impact people’s quality of life.
Why can’t I concentrate?
Over the last year, people will have experienced brain fog, exhaustion or chronic concentration loss.
Usually, these symptoms would dissipate over time or could indicate deeper problems such as depression.
But experts have identified several pandemic-specific causes which could explain some of the trouble people face today.
Niels Eék, a psychologist and co-founder of Remente, a mental health and self-development platform, has zeroed in on the roots of the brain fog epidemic.
He walked Express.co.uk through the myriad of factors causing this concentration lapse and how to improve it.
Mr Eék said: “Our regular routines have completely gone out of the window, as we have been told to spend more time at home.
“The loss of routine and the need to stay at home for long periods of time can result in wider mental health implications, including sleep loss and increased feelings of stress and anxiety.”
“The inability to form plans and create routines has also left many people often feeling overwhelmed by the simplest of situations, which is a natural coping mechanism as the body goes into survival mode.
“The long-term implications of which can, however, result in heightened stress levels and an inability to focus.”
Mr Eék added although people have reduced their commute, they have to tackle an expanding online presence.
He blamed declining concentration on a “digital overload” caused, in part, by home working.
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He said: “While we are told to spend increased amounts of time at home, many people are spending entire days in front of a screen.
“Whether for work, pleasure or simply to pass the time, research shows that digital overload can contribute to increased feelings of stress and anxiety, therefore impacting our ability to concentrate when needed.
“Constant news updates, notifications, and messages throughout the day can all cause our bodies to produce more of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, which can, in turn, cause nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness.
“The barrage of news about the pandemic that we get through our phones and screens can also cause or worsen feelings of stress and anxiety.”
Mr Eék suggested those hoping to fix their concentration make one of the following alterations:
- Establish a steady daily routine
- Find a suitable sleep routine
- Take a break and breathe
- Reduce screen time and cut down on allowed notifications
- Set achievable personal goals
- Seek professional help, for problems big or small
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