Improve Your Memory with These 6 Techniques

Sometimes, forgetting simple things is just another part of life. You’re running late and can’t remember where you set your keys down. Your friend just introduces you to her co-worker and you instantly forget her name. You think back on a book you read not too long ago and you can’t seem to recall the name of the protagonist. 

These types of memory lapses are completely normal, and everyone is guilty of having them at one point or another. However, the older we get, the more common these lapses in memory seem to occur. And the more they occur, the more we worry about what they could possibly mean. 

Well it turns out that there are actually ways to help you prevent memory loss. Follow these 6 tips to boost your brain and improve your memory.

#1 Use it or you’ll lose it

That’s the perfect saying when it comes to keeping your memory sharp. This means doing basically anything that keeps your mind active and alert. Skip out on the television before bed and instead start reading that mystery novel you bought a while back. Give the Sunday crossword puzzle another try. Try taking a new route on your way to work. The more you exercise your brain, the more in shape it will be.

#2 Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep puts the brain in the right state of mind to learn and remember information as you go about your day. Yes, this means getting that full seven to eight hours of sleep that is needed every night. Studies show that your brain actually processes the day’s events while you are sleeping and it works to consolidate them into your memory during this time. 

#3 Stick to a healthy diet

This includes both eating the right types of foods to give your brain the nutrients it needs and making sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. A few foods that are known to save your memory include salmon, dark green leafy vegetables, avocados, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and oil-based salad dressings. 

#4 Get plenty of exercise

Exercising will increase the blood flow to the brain, which will keep your memory sharp. Not sure if an intense aerobic cardio session is really for you? Even something as simple as a brisk walk around your neighborhood or a slow and steady bike ride down the boardwalk will get the blood flowing and be beneficial to your brain. 

#5 Keep things simple

What we mean by this is if you’re constantly forgetting things, it might be because you have too much going on at once. Tone down the multitasking. Many people don’t realize that the brain doesn’t actually multitask, it switches from one task to the other. Instead, try focusing on one task at a time. Your memory will thank you later.

#6 Stay organized

When things get a little chaotic in your life, it’s easy for your memory to get a little jumbled as well. Make it a point to keep your home organized and clutter-free. The act of physically writing down items you need to remember helps you memorize them. Keep up-to-date to-do lists of tasks you know you need to remember.

We’ll make sure we’re doing everything we can to help

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we take pride in knowing we are doing everything we can to help our guests be as healthy as possible. We provide our guests with nutritious meals, physical activity opportunities and guidance and education to help keep your memory sharp and alert.