April 7, 2016
If you are concerned about the realities of memory loss, consider sharpening your mental skills by training your brain to work as efficiently as possible
If those “senior moments” are becoming more frequent or severe, it may be time to create a mental workout routine to improve your resiliency and memory. Just as you’d work with a personal trainer or physician to develop a realistic and attainable physical fitness program, you’ll also want to partner with a healthcare professional who can determine the underlying causes of your memory concerns. In the meantime, though, the following seven tips can help you to boost your memory in no time at all:
Get enough sleep: It has been proven that sleep plays a pivotal role in proper cognitive functioning. Make sleep a priority, and aim for at least 7-8 hours of rest per evening. The mind organizes thoughts during periods of sleep, which helps to improve recall and overall memory.
Stay organized: While it may seem counterintuitive to use organizational aids to improve basic memory, it is actually one of the more effective ways to boost recall and memory. Keep a planner or appointment book, and write down daily responsibilities and tasks. Just the action of jotting down the information will make it more concrete, and the organizational support of a planner will minimize stress and worry related to your memory concerns.
Keep mentally fit: Jogging keeps the cardiovascular system in good working order, and mental exercises can do the same for your mind. Whether you enjoy Sudoku, crossword puzzles, trivia shows, puzzles or brain teasers, or other types of mental challenges, you’ll improve your memory in short order when you keep your mind active.
Be Social: While planning a big party every weekend isn’t necessarily the driving force behind boosting your memory, there is a proven link between elevated levels of depression and stress and memory loss. If you can stay social, keep interactions consistent with new people, and generally seek opportunities to be with loved ones and friends, you’ll minimize your chances of stress getting in the way of your memory.
Get physical: Good physical fitness is actually quite important when it comes to sharpening your mental acuity. Blood flow is enhanced during periods of cardiovascular intensity, while the natural highs that come with completing a vigorous workout can ward off stress and feelings of anxiety – both contributors to memory loss.
Keep chronic ailments in check: According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of care when it comes to your chronic conditions can have a detrimental effect on memory. If you have a kidney issue, thyroid problem, or clinical depression, failure to manage these ailments will negatively affect memory and cognitive functioning.
Eat well: Keeping hydrated is the first step in maintaining a healthy diet, as dehydration can lead to confusion and memory concerns. Lean meats, lots of fruit and vegetables, and whole grains will round out a healthy diet and keep your body functioning at peak levels.
If you are concerned about your own mental clarity, or you know a family member or loved one who needs additional support related to their cognitive performance, make sure that you reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. By creating a realistic and attainable plan, you’ll improve your chances of boosting your memory in no time at all.
