A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. The brain has an amazing ability to adapt, change, and form new connections (neuroplasticity), and we can all use the activities mentioned below to give our hippocampus (the memory center of the brain) a workout and improve our cognitive abilities.
Tip #1: Learn something new. Your brain will never “outgrow” the need for new stimulation to keep growing and developing. Learn something new that is challenging, rewarding, and involves a skill you can build on.
Tip #2: Make time for physical exercise. It helps your brain stay sharp, increases the oxygen supply to your brain, and reduces risks for many health issues. It helps boost neuroplasticity by stimulating new neuronal connections.
Tip #3: Get plenty of sleep. In general, most people need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Get on a regular sleep schedule, avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed, and cut back on caffeine, as it may interfere with sleep.
Tip #4: Make time for social activity. Humans aren’t meant to be alone and relationships stimulate our brain.
Tip #5: Don’t get too stressed out. Chronic stress destroys brain cells over time and affects the formation of new memories and retrieving old ones, by damaging the area of the brain called the hippocampus.
Tip #6: Exercise your sense of humor. Laughter positively affects many regions of the brain. Spend time with fun people. Watch a funny movie. Have a funny screensaver. Seek out fun situations.
Tip #7. Eat a good diet. Healthy diets with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish) and lean protein will provide many health benefits and improve memory. Include things such as green tea, grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts, and even a glass of red wine which are rich in a flavinoid (a plant-based compound with powerful antioxidant properties) called reservatol which boosts blood flow to the brain and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
(These tips were taken from an article on helpguide.org. Go to http://www.helpguide.org/articles/memory/how-to-improve-your-memory.htm to read the full article.)
Jill Crist, Coastal Authority Marketing Manager (yoga, run, spin and SUP enthusiast)
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