Sharpen Your Memory with These Five Tips

We all do it. Sometimes we forget where we put our car keys, or where we put our glasses or the items on our grocery list. Although everyone forgets things occasionally, forgetting important information on a regular basis could be a sign of memory loss and that is not something to be taken lightly.

If you are concerned about memory loss, take note of these helpful tips to help sharpen your memory. While there’s no guarantee these tips will prevent long-term memory loss, they may be useful tricks for simple forgetfulness.

Catch some ZZZs – Sleep is extremely important to people of all ages. It plays a pivotal role in helping you consolidate your memories so that you can recall them when needed. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

Be social – It’s good to be a social butterfly, not only for maintaining relationships, but also for your memory. Social interaction helps fend off depression and stress, which can both contribute to memory loss. When invited for lunch or to attend an event, go! Your brain will thank you.

Stay active – Exercise is just as important for the brain as it is for the body. Keeping your brain in shape through mentally stimulating activities could help keep memory loss at bay. Activities such as crossword puzzles, couples dancing, reading or trying out new activities can help in keeping your memory sharp.

Eat right – A healthy diet is as good for your brain as it is your body! A diet that’s filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains is recommended. Don’t forget to incorporate low-fat protein sources such as fish and lean meat as well. But nutrition isn’t just about food; what you drink matters too. Remember to stay hydrated and to limit your alcohol intake to help avoid unwanted confusion or memory loss.

Get focused – More times than not, we are multitasking, which can lead to forgetfulness. In an effort to avoid misplacing something or simply forgetting it altogether, set aside a specific spot to place your keys, wallet and other important objects, and jot down notes in a special planner that you keep with you at all times so that you can refer to it when necessary. Try your best to limit distractions so that you can focus on one task at a time in order to recall that information at a later date!

While these five tips can potentially help sharpen your memory, it’s important to know when to seek medical help for more serious forms of memory loss. If you’re worried about memory loss, consult your doctor to learn more about next steps and treatment options.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518

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