Many people confess as they get older that their memory is not as good as it used to be. Such troublesome and simple issues as forgetting what to buy at the grocery store or not being able to recall the name of a favorite movie or television show suddenly become frightening signs of a worrisome trend. Should we be that worried, though? How much of it is perception and how much of it is reality? After all, we forgot things in our teen years also, right?
Most importantly, what can we do to slow down the degradation of our memory or to flat out improve our ability to remember and recall things? Here are six great tips to help you do just that. Follow these helpful hints and you may find your memory improving as well as your overall brain functions.
Keep your brain active
You would not expect your body to operate at peak physical condition if you did not exercise it regularly, so why do we often expect our brains to do the same thing? If you do not get enough “brain exercise,” try to change that. Do some challenging puzzles, play trivia games with friends, take up a new activity that requires some learning, or perform creative tasks such as playing an instrument. All of these are great examples of ways to get a good mental workout and improve your brain’s ability to function.
Be socially active when possible
You may not know this, but doing things you love to do most is really good for your brain. Having positive thinking all the time and avoiding things that make you sad may improve your whole brain function. You should get out more and be with those that you enjoy spending time with. You should have fun and do more of the things your brain enjoys, things that give you a “happy” feeling. Many times, it is hard to remember to do such things because it is easier to focus on working, paying bills, and fulfilling obligations. If you think of taking care of your brain and body as an obligation, though, being socially active is an important task as well.
Don’t become disorganized
It is very difficult to live part of your life one way and the rest of it in a completely opposite way. Similarly, it is difficult to be organized and mentally quick in your head when the rest of your life is in disarray. When you make sure your work space is clean, your notes are organized, and your life is in order, you will find that it is easier to remember important things.
Focus on one thing
Many people think that multitasking is a good idea all of the time, when this really isn’t true. One reason why it may be hard to remember a party you attended last summer is that you were on your phone half of the time, for instance. Be in the moment and focus on one thing at a time, and you will not only retain more of that experience (whether you’re reading a book or listening to a podcast), but you will also perform better at important tasks because you won’t be distracted.
Eat the right foods
Many people do not acknowledge the importance of a healthy diet when it comes to your brain as well as the rest of your body. For example, fruits and vegetables, as well as fish oil may help with brain functions. Low-fat proteins are good for your energy levels, which help you to remember things better and focus on what you’re doing too.
Exercise and listen to your doctor
Many scientists and doctors believe that physical exercise can not only benefit your body, but also your brain. Not only will this give you more energy, but you will also have the chance to let your mind wander and have a little downtime, which is essential when you want your brain to work more efficiently at other times. Finally, don’t forget that you should always listen to your doctor and follow any instructions he or she gives you, particularly if you have serious health challenges, such as high blood pressure. Such challenges can limit your brain functions, including your memory, and taking some substances can also hurt your memory, so discuss them with your doctor as well.
Remember, if you have serious concerns about your memory or your inability to focus on tasks, you should consult with your doctor right away.
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| The information presented is not intended to, and does not in anyway, constitute or replace a medical advice, and it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem. The information is provided for educational purposes only, and is based upon the authors’ personal experiences or point of view. If you think you have a health problem, please consult a qualified medical professional.. |
