Tips for Improving Your Memory

Did you know that you can make your brain lift weights “memory work out”? It's time to throw your memory on the treadmill and get it to shape up! Whether you're a student trying to study for the latest exam or a 60 year old nearing retirement, it is important that we nurture and care for our memory to the best of our ability. Surprised to learn that you can actually improve your memory in a rather short period of time? Well you certainly can by these steps below:

Think Positively

The most important part to accomplishing ANY task is to actually believe that you can do it (and you can!). Once you convince yourself that yes, your memory is good and yes, you will be able to enhance it you'll instantly find that the extra vote of confidence you give your brain will alone significantly improve your memorization skills.

Set up Play Time

Sudoku, anyone? Or maybe crosswords are your gig. By regularly partaking in “brain games” you are helping the synaptic nerve connections stay strong – and may even build a couple of new ones along the way! Even taking an object in your home and hiding it in the morning and then seeking it out before bed time is a good way to exercise your brain.

Get Moving

Exercise not only relaxes you AND keeps you more alert, but it gets our blood circulation going. More blood to the brain means that it is being continuously fed the oxygen it needs to function properly. All of these things allow our brains to better focus and become attentive to information around us, which significantly improves memory.

Improve your Diet

Being sure to take in an appropriate amount of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B6 will go a long way in helping your mental functions and processes. Focus on eating whole, non-processed foods and skip the deep fried fatty foods.

Kick Stress to the Curb

Stress acts like a mental barrier – if we are overly stressed, everything becomes a bit of a blur and our mind isn't able to properly process information. Getting rid of that stress through things like exercising and doing puzzles, while also keeping socially active and thinking positively, will improve your memory almost instantly.

Get a Good Night's Rest

A well functioning brain is a well rested brain. Be sure to get at LEAST 6 hours of sleep per night (ideally 8 or 9 hours).

photo by Jay Lopez