Are you constantly forgetting important things on your to-do list? Is your phone’s memory taken up by day-to-day reminders of things as mundane as taking out the bins?
Forgetting everyday tasks seems to be something we all just except but forgetfulness more than likely boils down to one thing – stress.
Research has found that 60 per cent of women between the ages of 21 and 29, forgot important daily tasks due to stress triggers. 47 per cent of women admitted they forget to take their make-up off before bed, 41 per cent forget to charge their phones, and 42 per cent forget to take their daily contraceptive pill.
Although this isn’t particularly good news I’m starting to feel a whole lot better knowing I am not alone. There has been many a time when I have forgotten to do all three.
According to the report, women experience on average two major disruptions to their daily lives a year.
Starting a new job or study course is the most likely change, with arguments with family members and friends coming in second.
A new diet or exercise regime is said to be the third most likely disruption while moving house effects 28 per cent of people and a family bereavement cause disruption for 22 per cent.
67 per cent of women admitted to forgetting to take their contraception pill once or twice a month and a third admitted to forgetting the pill at least once a week.
According to Trinity College Dublin psychologist Professor Sabina Brennan: ‘Chronic stress can change your brain affecting brain size, structure and function.’
‘High levels of cortisol, produced by the brain in times of stress, over long periods of time can negatively affect your brain. Over time, excess cortisol can particularly affect the part of the brain that controls concentration and memory.’
The research was commissioned by Bayer as part of World Contraception Day 2016, for more information on taking the stress out of contraception click here.