Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp
Don’t forget about physical exercise.
Believe it or not, when you’re exercising your body, you’re exercising your mind as well. Aerobic exercise gets your blood pumping, which increases the oxygen going to your brain and lowers your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, leading to memory loss. Suppose you can start with some exercise in the morning. This can clear your head right off the bat to stay focused and alert during the day. Activities that require coordination are beneficial for keeping the mind active such as simply throwing a ball back and forth.
Make sure you’re sleeping.
Less Stress Better Sleep
Sleep is one of the best ways to make sure your brain and memory are in tip-top shape daily. To get the most out of your sleep, aim for 7.5-9 hours every night. Make sure to shut off the electronics at least an hour before bed to help the mind shut off as well. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake earlier in the day. Both can result in a shallow sleep.
Keep your brain stimulated.
Research has shown that keeping mental stimulation as we age is very important for lowering the risk of dementia. Stay social, interact with others, learn new skills, play mind-exercise games like crossword puzzles or Sudoku. Interacting with others and continuing to learn is vital for keeping the brain healthy at any age.
Be aware of your stress.
Chronic stress can not only make someone miserable but also cause severe long term effects. Stress over time has been shown to destroy brain cells and damage the brain's area that creates new memories and recalls past ones. To avoid memory loss, minimise your stress. Don’t take on too many tasks if they overwhelm you, and sometimes it is ok to say no. Ensure you have outlets to relieve stress, whether it is physical exercise or talking with someone about your frustrations.
Don’t forget about your superfoods.
Certain superfoods have shown to be significant in preventing memory loss. Make sure to get your fruit and vegetable servings in, and many are filled with antioxidants that help protect your brain cells. Eat more foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and foods cooked with olive oil. Green tea is another option that has powerful antioxidants to protect from brain damage.
Your memory is crucial at any age. Start incorporating these healthy habits to keep a strong memory for years to come.