From memorizing names at a social gathering to remembering
the details of the theory of relativity, our memory can be our best ally and
our worst enemy at the same time. Sometimes when devising our next big project
we fail to connect the knowledge we have acquired in the past because we
neglect to hold it at heart.
As follows, a list of things which can help you improve and
preserve your memory, (in no particular order):
- Exercise: In a recent study at the University of British Columbia, it was found that regular aerobic exercise, appears to enlarge the size of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain in charge of verbal memory and learning.
- Stop Smoking: It has been found in various researches, that non-smokers thoroughly outperform nicotine smokers. By all means, this habit tends to affect other aspects of life
- Eat healthy: They key in this case is to eat foods that are high in antioxidants. Such foods include fruits and vegetables, as well as salmon and tuna.
- Sleep: In order to allow a good memory consolidation, adults require an average of seven and a half hours of sleep each night. Still one must make sure that the sleep they are receiving is indeed quality sleep. For example, one can sleep 10 hours per night, but still not feel refreshed the next morning. This could occur when there are sleep-related breathing problems.
- Learn something new: The brain is just like every other part of the body, “either you use it or you lose it”. Challenging yourself to learn new things every day, keeps the wheels of the brain greased.
- Moderate alcohol intake: Alcohol can both harm and protect your memory, depending on the amount you decide to take. In any case, it is better to avoid alcohol, but if it is your choice to drink, then make sure that it is a moderate amount.
- Organize your thinking: On occasion, information usually comes in no particular order. It is imperative that one takes the time to understand and organize these ideas, in a matter that they will be easier to recall further down the road.
- Contain stress levels: Concentration is almost impossible, when one is under the effects of severe stress, and poor attention is one of the main barriers to storing memories effectively. Additionally, high levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone, is known to affect the hippocampus.
- Protect your brain: Whenever you are engaging in activities that may hold a potential for brain injury, it is best to always use appropriate protective head gear. The most common cause of brain injury is a motor vehicle accident; failure to use a seat belt significantly increases the risk of serious injury
- Feed your passion: If you are passionate about something, work on it. “Having an abiding passion gives you the impetus to pursue new knowledge and learning. It can also induce you to connect with other people who share your interest. And having something that makes your life worthwhile can help guard against depression and act as a buffer against stress, two causes of memory difficulties.
Do you know of other techniques which help improve your
memory? Please share in the comment section below.
