Methods to Improve Your Memory

Have you ever suffered a mind blank? Maybe you have trouble recalling someone’s name or where you’ve left your car keys? Luckily, there are many methods you can employ to provide confidence in your recollection ability through everyday life.

Focus

If there’s something you need to learn or memorise, only focus on that one thing. This allows your brain to encode the information more thoroughly. You may need to train your brain to stay focused which may take some discipline, but anyone can achieve it. Rereading new information, repeating things out loud and paraphrasing what someone has said will help enormously.

Don’t rush

By slowing down and taking your time you will be capable of taking in more information. This will not only improve your recall ability, but will improve your situational awareness.

Write it Down

The act of physically writing something down will help you to remember it over time, as well as giving you a hard copy to refer to later on. So next time you find yourself in a situation or discussion where there are important facts or figures being mentioned, make sure you are prepared to take notes.

Unwind

Relaxing allows you to calm down, increases your ability to focus and improves your memory. If you are someone who often feels stressed it is important to try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or listening to music.

Get adequate sleep

Sleep is essential to learning and memory in two ways. Firstly, if you are sleep deprived you won’t be functioning at your highest capacity and will find it harder to maintain focus. Secondly, sleep plays a part in memory consolidation, which is key to learning new information.

Eat well

Your brain needs the right nutrients to function at an optimal level. It is important to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and consume plenty of omega-3 rich sources such as fish, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds, which are crucial to brain health.

Be organised

By keeping your surroundings and personal belongings organised you are more likely to remember where things are located. Furthermore, by maintaining a regular routine, you have a better chance at remembering when your phone bill comes out or what time your work meeting is.

Be active

By participating in a regular exercise regime it will greatly improve your brain health and function. Cardiovascular exercise helps create new brain cells, especially in the learning and memory centre of the brain.

Exercise your brain

Mental exercises such as reading, puzzles, crosswords and quizzes are just as important as aerobic exercise in keeping the brain healthy. Your mind – like your muscles – will shrink and lose strength if not regularly exercised. It’s been documented that intelligent, mentally active and well-educated people seem to experience fewer memory problems as they grow older.

Consider supplementation

If you would like help focusing and performing, you may benefit from taking Fish Oil. If you aren’t consuming an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, a fish oil supplement is essential. There are many benefits to taking omega-3, it is absolutely crucial for optimal brain functioning. Without it your brain cells will suffer and become less efficient at communicating with one another.

Reference: ‘Alzheimer’s: What you must know to protect your brain’ by Dr Sandra Cabot