Mental and physical exercises can improve memory. Aerobic exercises can reverse changes in the brain that cause cognitive decline. Mental exercises can also help improve memory among elders. The frustration of forgetting and misplacing objects can be offset by learning new things. Performing computer exercises that are specifically designed to target memory loss are also beneficial. Exercising the brain throughout life is as important as exercising the muscles of the body. There are several ways to improve memory with exercises.
Step 1
Engage in regular physical activity. Researchers from the Netherlands found that physical fitness can improve memory by boosting blood flow to the brain and increasing brain volume. Aerobic exercise appears to be best, but any sort of activity, including strength training and exercises to improve flexibility, can contribute to brain health. According to a study review from Maaike Angevaren at the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht, Netherlands, "Improvements in cognition as a result of improvements in cardiovascular fitness are being explained by improvements in cerebral blood flow, leading to increased brain metabolism which, in turn, stimulates the production of neurotransmitters and formation of new synapses." Regular fitness activity improves the electrical signals in the brain.
Step 2
Perform the same mental exercises to train your brain and improve memory. Repeat your thoughts often. Repeat activities to yourself--if you need to remember to pay a bill tomorrow, say it to yourself several times. Use visualization in association with tasks you need to complete. Visualize yourself picking up the phone bill and writing a check, or sitting at the computer and paying your bill.
Step 3
Try different mental exercises that improve your memory. A phone number becomes 888 888 8888, in three separate rows, versus a series of numbers that may be difficult to retain. Use rhymes or acronyms to remember things. Spell a word to remember PINs. For instance, an account PIN that might be used over the phone or at an ATM can become BOYS for 2697, making it easier to remember. Keeping rhymes in your head are good memory exercises. An example is "30 days have September, April, June and November ... "
Step 4
Play computer games, and use your mind to solve puzzles. These are excellent exercises that can improve memory.
Step 5
Simply exercise your brain by trying new things. Improving your memory requires reworking the circuitry. Read, play games and engage yourself in life. Take yourself away from the television. Any new activity or disruption of your normal routine is an exercise that can help improve memory.
