Looking to Improve Your Memory?
Young or old, memory loss is nothing to take lightly. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, there are several memory tricks or techniques that may be helpful. Techniques that may sharpen your memory include mental and physical exercise.
The first trick is to stay mentally active. Stimulating mental activities may include crossword puzzles, word searches or reading the newspaper more thoroughly. Other activities include taking different routes when driving or learning to play a musical instrument. Regular social interaction is another way to sharpen your memory. Socializing may help prevent depression and stress. Both of these ailments may contribute to memory loss. If you are invited to a dinner party or have the ability to visit family and friends, you should go.
Organization at home is another important factor that may help prevent memory loss. It is a lot easier to forget where certain items belong in the house if your home is cluttered. Important dates or appointments should be written down on a visible calendar or notebook for future reference. Repeating tasks or appointments aloud will help cement them in your memory.
Sleep is important for everyone, especially those who may have issues with memory loss. The amount and quality of sleep plays a vital role in being able to focus and concentrate. This may affect the ability to recall memories at a future date. Recommended sleep for most adults is at least seven to eight hours a night.
Following a healthy diet is another important way to help sharpen memory. Though this tip may seem obvious, it is often overlooked. A healthy diet can be as good for your brain as it is for your body. Aside from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you should choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry. When it comes to drinking, not enough water or too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss. Physical activity in your daily routine is very important as it increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 2 ½ hours a week of moderate aerobic activity (think brisk walking) or 1 ¼ hours a week of vigorous aerobic activity (such as jogging). If you can’t make that much time available in your daily routine, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks throughout the day. Every little bit of exercise counts as it all adds up. Making mnemonic devices are a creative and efficient way to remember lists. Mnemonic devices can take the form of acronyms or sentences. Benefits of mnemonic devices are their ability to provide a memory bridge to help recall information that otherwise is difficult to recall. They also help to personalize the information to be learned making it easier to remember.
