One the most common sign of aging is the inability to remember things or memory loss. This can be stressful for the person going through it, and hard on the people close to that person. Here are a few tips to help you, or someone you know, deal with the frustration of memory loss.
One of the best ways to store new information in memory is to relate it to something else that you are already familiar with. Creating a logical link between the new information and something else that you already know will increase your chances of being able to successfully recall that information later. The link you create functions as a trigger to recall the new information.
If so, allow yourself a brief break, but no longer than 15 minutes, during every hour and use that time to rest your mind. Your brain will be able to retain new information more easily after a break.
In order to maintain a good memory, Omega-3’s are an essential part of your diet. There are several sources of Omega-3 including fish, walnuts, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and soybeans. If any of those foods don’t appeal to you, it’s also acceptable to take fish oil supplements in order to keep your memory fully functioning.
Coming up with mnemonic devices to help improve memory helps to absorb information for greater periods of time. Mnemonic devices are a great way to recall something. You take a bit of information and pair it with an everyday item or word, which creates a correlation that helps you better remember the information.
We are more likely to remember something that happens to us when we are around other people than when we are alone. People are drawn to others, as a result we remember our time with them, rather than when we are alone. That’s why study groups work so well.
Improve your memory by getting more organized. Sometimes a poor memory is simply a side effect of having too much on your plate and poor organization skills. Try using a day planner to keep track of your schedule. Make to-do lists outlining the tasks that you want to accomplish for the day. Finally, clear up clutter around your house and your work area. When everything is nicely organized and in its proper place, you may find that your memory problems disappear.
Make sure that your diet has good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Most commonly found in fish, these fatty acids do a superb job of keeping your brain on its toes. Numerous studies have shown a positive benefit to the brain when the diet contains omega-3’s. Try adding pink salmon, walnuts and flax seed, so you can get this essential fat.
Feed your brain. Just like the body, the brain needs fuel. A healthy diet, including vegetables, fruits and plenty of whole grains, can help to boost your memory. In addition, try to limit saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fats can hinder concentration and memory. Drinking alcohol in moderation can also help your memory and cognitive skills. One glass of red wine a day is the ideal option.
A good workout will exercise your body, but it can also exercise your mind. A little daily exercise can do wonders.
When learning an abundance of new information all at once, it is important to take breaks, even if it is just for five minutes at a time. Letting your mind relax for a few minutes will keep it fresh so that you are able to absorb all of the information.
Reduce stress in your life to improve your memory. Unrelieved stress can cause your body to produce so much cortisol that it permanently damages your hippocampus, which is the memory center of the brain. Other stress chemicals can interfere with your ability to store information, concentrate, or recall memories from earlier.
If you are having a hard time remembering things, you may want to put information with a picture. For instance, say you want to remember where a certain store is and there is a big oak tree in front of me, tell your mind to think of the oak tree.
Challenge your memory. Push yourself to remember little details. There are many games online and on video game consoles that are specifically designed to challenge your memory. Play them regularly. Get your brain in the habit of remembering things. Your memory is like a muscle. You need to exercise it.
When considering aging friends or family members, memory loss is one of the first things that come to mind. While this condition is not at all pleasant, it is a natural process. However, sometimes it is possible to slow or stop this cognitive decline. This article offers several useful and effective techniques that can help slow down memory loss, and in some cases even improve memory.
