As we get older, everything ages. Even our brains. But, there are things you can do now to boost that brain of yours and help improve memory function. Check them out!
Eat Smart
A combination of healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables is key to a healthy brain. A sample breakfast to get your brain going could be eggs scrambled with coconut oil, tossed with kale and accompanied by whole grain toast. Get four to five small meals a day to keep a steady supply of glucose to your brain.
Start Moving
Research repeatedly shows that exercise is not only good for your heart, but it’s also good for your brain. A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that participants who engaged in more than 30 minutes of activity a day actually reversed the signs of age-related brain decline. Another found that subjects with the highest energy expenditure had the lowest incidence of cognitive impairment over 5 years.
Stay Hydrated
Need another reason to drink water? “Water is the most important ‘food’ for memory, because a dehydrated brain is groggy and has poor concentration,” says Carol Dean, MD, ND, author of 365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice. “As soon as you get up and start
your day, drink 2 to 3 glasses of water. This clears out your system, rehydrates your body and your brain.” Aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.
Use It, Don’t Lose It
Keep your brain working on a daily basis. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Keep a journal – Write your memoirs, poems, stories, etc.
- Practice math – Turn off the calculator.
- Study – Take classes. Learn or relearn something that interests you. Use it or lose it!
- Relax – Relaxation helps clear the mind to make room for memories.
- Read a map – Instead of asking for directions or using your cell phone’s GPS; also take a new way home.
- Repeat things out loud – Hearing helps you (and others) remember.
- Turn off the TV – Strengthen your powers of concentration by removing distractions and avoiding interruptions.
- Use visualization to improve recall – Try to remember by visualizing what a person looks like, what they wore, what your last conversation was about.
- Make lists – Writing was invented as a mnemonic (helpful of the memory) device!
