As human brains are more complex it is not easy to improve your memory, it takes a little effort to boost your memory power. Strong memory depends on the vitality and health of your brain. Whether you are a student, who is preparing for his exams, or a professional who wants to stay mentally sharp or a senior who wants to preserve and enhance your memory, you can improve your memory power and mental performance. The human brain has the ability to adapt and change with the right stimulation. This is possible even for the elderly. When it comes to learning and memory the human brain has an incredible ability to reshape itself. This ability of the brain to adapt and change is known as Neuroplasticity. By harnessing the natural power of Neuroplasticity you can enhance your memory and improve your ability to learn new information.
Just as sportsmen depend on good health, good sleep and good diet to perform their best, your memory power can be increased with a good diet and healthy habits that will nurture your brain.
Exercise
Physical exercise increases the oxygen supply to your brain which helps to improve your memory. Risks for diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders are reduced; these diseases lead to memory loss. Exercise helps to enhance the effects of brain chemicals and also protects the brain cells. When your body is treated well your ability to process and recall information also improves.
Sleep
| Tips to Improve Your Memory |
A good sleep is very important to the brain to operate at its full capacity. Sleep deprivation has an effect on your creativity, critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. As the memory enhancing activity occurs during the deepest stages of
sleep, a poor sleep can affect your memory power. So whether you are student, professional or a person trying to juggle the demands in your life, poor sleep will be a total disaster. It is advisable to get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to keep your brain active.
Interaction
Humans are social animals and you are meant to live with relations. Relationships help in brain stimulation and interacting with others is the best brain exercise. A life full of friends and fun has many benefits on your brain. Serious activities like working out the crossword puzzle and mastering chess strategy are not necessary to improve memory, some lighthearted moments like enjoying a movie or hanging out with friends help to refresh your brain. Research shows that people with an active social life had less memory decline. So try to improve and boost your memory by socializing. Join a club or make it a point to meet friends often. If not humans at the least try it with your pet.
Laughter
You must have heard that laughter is the best medicine, which holds true not only to your body but also your brain.
Laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain. Psychologist Daniel Goleman has said in his book ‘Emotional Intelligence’ that, “laughter…seems to help people think more broadly and associate more freely.”
Stress
Stress is the worst enemy of your brain and when left unchecked it destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for forming new memories and recollecting old memories. Scientific evidence shows that meditation helps to improve focus, concentration, learning, reasoning skills and creativity of your brain. Regular meditation shows more activity in the area of the brain that is associated with feelings of joy and equanimity. It also thickens the cerebral cortex and encourages connections between brain cells which increases memory and mental sharpness.
Diet
A diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats improves health and improves memory. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your brain; fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating fish boosts your brain power and lowers your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Other sources of
omega-3 are walnuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed and soybeans. A diet rich in saturated fat increases your risk of dementia and impairs concentration and memory. Avoid red meat, whole milk, butter, ice-cream and sour cream that are sources of
saturated fat. Colorful fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that protect your brain cells from damage. Alcohol kills brain cells so moderate your alcohol consumption. Red wine taken in moderation actually improves memory.
Brain Workout
As you reach your adulthood your brain has developed millions of neural pathways that help you to process information quickly, solve familiar problems and you can do a familiar task with minimum mental effort. But your brain needs constant growth and development. The more you workout your brain the more you will be improve its power. The best brain exercise is to develop new brain pathways and this can be done with new activities that are unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone. The activity must take some mental effort like learning a new language, sport or instrument. Tackling a Sudoku puzzle or crossword puzzle also helps. The activity must be challenging but at the same time it must be of interest to you.
Try all these tips and sure it will help you to improve your memory power. Pay attention to what you are doing as distraction interrupts your brain in processing. It takes your brain just eight seconds of intense focus to process a piece of information into your brain.