We’ve all had that experience at the grocery store, where we pay for what we bought and when we get home, we realize we forgot to buy the milk we originally went for. Damn!
It is very common for people to forget. More than 10 million people in the US alone are reported to suffer from some form of memory loss (1). Although forgetfulness is very common, it should not be taken lightly as it can become more serious as you get older.
While it is impossible for us to prevent the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies, we can take steps to train ourselves to ensure a strong and long-lasting memory. Below are seven simple but effective ways to improve your memory:
1. Train Your Mind
It is important to train the mind as we train the body to stay in good shape. Many people often overlook mental fitness. If you don’t actively use your mind on a regular basis, you risk degenerating your brain at a faster rate than usual.
You can try doing puzzles or crosswords from local newspapers or online. Learning new skills is another great way to keep your brain in good shape.
You can even try simple things like choosing an alternative route to work or playing sports in a different way. Anything helps when it comes to mental training.
2. Try To Socialize More Often
Interacting with friends and family more often can help reduce your stress levels. It is very important to carve out time in your schedule to socialize and let your brain relax. Simply talking to someone about your problems can help you feel a lot better and keep your mind from weighing down.
3. Try To Live A More Organized Life
People who tend to keep their rooms cluttered and messy are at a greater risk of forgetting things. You should try to be more organized to remember things. Journaling is a great way to keep your mind active and help you remember things.
You can also try using to-do lists to set tasks you need to complete by the end of the day, week, or even month. You should also try to focus on one task at a time to ensure that you complete it with great focus and diligence.
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This will make it easier for you not to leave any work incomplete. If you’re the type of person who spends an inordinate amount of time looking for things in your room, you should have a fixed place for important things.
4. Don’t Starve Your Body Of Sleep
How many hours of sleep each night? Does your job keep you up all night? When you finish a tough workout and can’t continue, you realize that your body is tired and needs to rest. In the same way, our brain needs to rest.
According to doctors, the average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep each day to ensure that the brain and body are functioning at optimal levels (2). If you are not able to meet this quota during the night, you can take an hour nap anytime during the day to feel refreshed.
5. Eat healthy
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Try to eat more fruits and green vegetables and drink plenty of water. Water makes up more than 70% of our brain (3).
Eating foods like beets, blueberries, and broccoli can help improve brain performance and concentration. Also, avoid consuming too much alcohol as it can cause memory loss.
6. Keep Your Body In Shape
In addition to exercising your brain, exercising your body is another great way to keep your mind sharp. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain. The more blood your brain receives, the greater its performance.
7. Monitor Your Health
Chronic medical conditions such as depression or diabetes can affect your memory. Always follow your doctor’s advice to minimize the damage to your mind and body caused by such health problems.
In addition, several medications can lead to memory problems. You should always read the labels on your medications for any harmful side effects they may have.
Mental training is just as important as physical training. You should try to keep your mind as active as possible. A sharp mind can help prevent memory problems and also reduce your chances of developing debilitating health conditions like dementia. Follow: