How To Improve Your Memory

Let’s face it, at one point or another we have all been a little forgetful. Whether it’s forgetting where you left your keys, forgetting everything you studied for the big exam, or leaving your mask in the car when you go just about anywhere. Forgetting things from time to time is normal, especially when life is chaotic and busy. Even though it’s normal, it can get really frustrating if you are constantly forgetting things. Thankfully, there are a few tricks to incorporate into your daily routine that will help improve your memory over time.

Play Brain Games

The best way to improve your memory is to challenge and stimulate your brain! Your brain needs to be exercised just like your muscles and if you don’t use it, you’ll begin to lose it. Brain exercises and brain games will help you better process and retain information. There are tons of apps out there that help with brain stimulation, and sudoku is an all-time favorite.

Reduce your sugar intake

Sugar is bad for you in every way. Consuming too much sugar can lead to forgetfulness, on top of many other health issues. Even a single instance of elevated glucose in the bloodstream can be harmful to the brain, resulting in deficits in memory and attention and slowed cognitive function. As amazing as sugar tastes, it is best to save it for a special treat, especially if you want to be extra sharp.

Get better sleep

Everything gets better with a good night’s rest. Sleep helps strengthen your short term memories and turn them into long term memories. The average adult needs about 8 hours of sleep in order to achieve healthy mental rest.

Laugh as much as you possibly can

The truth is, laughter will always be the best medicine for the mind and body. Laugh at yourself and laugh with friends, because being happy can help immensely improve memory.

Exercise

In addition to exercising your brain, to improve and maintain good memory it is important to keep your body physically fit. Exercise helps your mind stay sharp! Obesity can cause many health and cognitive issues.

Reduce your alcohol intake

This one should not come as a surprise—over time, alcohol can have detrimental effects on your mind and body. Drinking every once in a while or in moderation is okay, but binge drinking can seriously damage brain cells.

Organize your life

Have you ever heard the saying, an organized life is an organized mind? Well, it’s the truth. Organizing every aspect of your life will help your mind become more organized and allow you to retain more information.

Say “not right now” to refined carbs

This is a tough one. Who doesn’t love bread and pasta? Refined carbs tend to have a high glycemic index, which can have negative effects on your memory, and they aren’t great for your overall health either. So like sugar and alcohol, reduce the amount of refined carbs you put in your body—but there’s no need to say goodbye to bagels forever.

Maintain healthy relationships

Healthy and meaningful relationships are important for more than just emotional health and social life. They are extremely important for the health of your brain and memory.

Try to manage your stress

Stress and anxiety, over time, can cause detrimental damage to brain cells as well as the hippocampus: the area of the brain that manages memories. Life can be difficult, and stress is unavoidable, but make sure you are taking measures to care for yourself and de-stress on a regular basis.