As most adults would attest to, memory issues can be quite common. In many situations, forgetfulness is a completely normal part of aging and typically doesn’t mean you need memory care or have dementia.
However, it doesn’t mean that you need to live with the occasional lapse in memory. For situations like this, there are a number of things that you can do to boost your memory and improve your memory skills. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Give Your Brain Some Exercise
You give your body a workout so why not do the same for your brain? Stimulate your brain with memory games or challenges. It can be as simple as playing a memory card game with a friend or doing online brain teasers.
Like any other muscle in the body, with the brain, if you don’t “use it” you can “lose it.” If you don’t exercise your arm muscles, they are going to become weaker, and the same goes with your brain.
…But Make Sure to Exercise Your Body As Well
While you’re in the exercise mood, make sure that you are giving your body some much-needed exercise as well.
Working out is great for the brain as it keeps blood pumping to this vital organ. Make sure to do exercises that require hand-eye coordination to challenge your brain even more.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is known to enhance your memories and help you think more clearly. In fact, there have been several studies, including some recent notable studies at Harvard that showcase the impact a good night of sleep can have on your ability to recall information.
Stop Multi-Tasking
So many people today pride themselves on their ability to multi-task. However, multi-tasking can actually impact your ability to memorize or recall important information. You need about 8 seconds to commit something to memory, and if you are multi-tasking that may be impossible. So, if you set your keys down when you are talking on the phone with your sister and carrying in your groceries, chances are you won’t remember where you put the keys a few minutes later.
Meditation
While brain teasers are great for keeping the brain active, you still need to make sure that your brain has the ability to rest and recover as well. A great way to do this is with mindful meditation. It helps the brain refocus and re-center and it can help improve your ability to be more mindful of what is around you. Being more mindful includes noticing and remembering things more easily. Give meditation a try—you only need about 10-15 minutes of meditation per day to see results.
If you want to test your brain a bit and work on improving your memory, keep these tips in mind. They are simple, yet effective things that you can easily add to your current routine to help make your memory better than ever.
Tablet based apps to take care of you each day
Some tablet tools that can help you :
Clint
Brain training
Clint is designed for adults with prevention or low cognitive loss. The 3 difficulties allow anyone to adapt the exercise according to their abilities. So she can work her memory, attention, concentration, mental agility with a program with more than 24 games. These memory games are a mix of cultural games and games of reflexes and attention.
Scarlett
Memory games post stroke
Scarlett is a memory games program suitable for someone with a stroke. with significant cognitive losses. These games allow to work all the memory without being defeated.
The rolling ball
Fine motor work
Rolling Ball is a tablet application that focuses attention, fine motor skills and spatial tracking. In this game, the tablet becomes a real support pendulum.
Incorporate Healthy Foods into Your Diet
What you eat can significantly affect your brain health. Incorporating brain-boosting foods into your diet can enhance memory and cognitive function. Here are some foods to consider:
- Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.
- Berries: Packed with antioxidants that may delay brain aging and improve memory.
- Nuts: Especially walnuts, which are known for their high levels of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
- Leafy Greens: Such as spinach and kale, which contain nutrients that are important for brain health.
- Whole Grains: Provide energy and help keep your mind sharp.
Stay Socially Active
Social interaction can help ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Engaging with friends and family can keep your mind sharp. Consider these activities:
- Join clubs or groups that interest you.
- Participate in community events or volunteer work.
- Schedule regular catch-ups with family and friends.
- Engage in group activities like book clubs or exercise classes.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can negatively impact brain health. Limiting these substances can help protect your memory and cognitive function. Here are some tips:
- Set limits on your alcohol intake, following recommended guidelines.
- Seek support if you find it challenging to cut back on drinking or smoking.
- Replace alcoholic beverages with healthier options like herbal teas or sparkling water.
Engage in Lifelong Learning
Continuously challenging your brain by learning new skills or hobbies can significantly enhance memory and cognitive abilities. Consider the following:
- Take up a new language or musical instrument.
- Enroll in courses or workshops on topics that interest you.
- Participate in online classes or webinars to expand your knowledge.
- Try new activities that challenge your problem-solving skills, like puzzles or coding.
