Are you constantly finding yourself losing your keys or forgetting the name of your dentist? Maybe you just walked into a room only to forget what you were there for. There are ways you can improve your memory through your lifestyle, what you eat and through tricks designed to help you remember information. However, if you find that your memory loss severely affects your ability to complete daily tasks, it might be time to seek medical treatment.
Healthy Lifestyle
Follow a healthy lifestyle that promotes oxygen intake to your brain and discourages excessive stress. Getting regular exercise will help oxygen flow to your brain. According to Helpguide, a health information website, the stress hormone cortisol can damage the hippocampus, the part of your brain that regulates memory. Exercise can also help manage your stress. Also, you must get plenty of restful sleep to help your brain secure memories. The Mayo Clinic suggests at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day or a few 10-minute walks. Staying mentally active by completing crosswords or learning an instrument can also help improve your memory.
Nutrition
What you eat can also affect what you are able to store in your memory. If you expect to improve your memory, it is important to take in healthy fats, or omega-3 fatty acids. These fats concentrate in the brain and are important for brain function and can be found in fish, walnuts and flaxseeds. Also, get plenty of B vitamins, recommends the Helpguide. The Mayo Clinic says that a heart-healthy diet can also help memory. Include more fruits and vegetables into your diet along with whole grains. Up your intake of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. You can get these in berries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach or broccoli.
Mnemonic Devices
One of the main ways to improve your memory is by using mnemonic devices. A mnemonic device is a way of coding information in a way that makes recall easier. An example given by Professor Vernellia Randall at the University of Dayton is the schoolchildren's mnemonic ROY G. BIV, an acronym that helps them remember the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet). The letters are retrieval cues for children and adults that facilitate the recollection of information.
