Are you becoming forgetful? Consider these steps to sharpen your memory.
Avoid multitasking.
Multitasking may slow you down, make you forgetful and prone to errors. Research shows that you need about 8 seconds to commit a piece of information to your memory. If you find yourself trying to complete several tasks at once, stop and focus your attention back to the most important and urgent task at hand. If distracting thoughts enter your head, remind yourself that these are only projections (not reality) and allow them to pass by without stressing you out.
Eat right.
The foods that enter your body play a crucial role in your memory. You need fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, lean protein, and at the same time avoid sugar and grain carbohydrates.
Exercise.
Exercise encourages your brain to work at its best capacity by stimulating nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage. It also increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also enhances the effects of helpful brain chemicals and reduces stress hormones. Choose exercises that keep your blood pumping and require hand-eye coordination.
Keep watch of stress.
Over time, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Manage and minimize stress by setting realistic expectations, a healthy balance between work and leisure time, taking breaks throughout the day, and expressing your feelings instead of concealing them.
Laugh.
Listening to jokes and working out punch lines activate areas of your brain that are vital to learning and creativity. Find ways to bring more laughter to your life. Laugh at your embarrassing moments. Spend time with fun people, as laughter is contagious.
Learn a new skill.
Engage in purposeful activities to stimulate your neurological system, counter the effects of stress-related diseases, reduce the risk of dementia and enhance well-being. Find an activity that is mentally stimulating, teaches you something new, requires your undivided attention and gives you great satisfaction.
Socialize.
Healthy relationships help stimulate your brain — it may be the best brain booster. Research shows that meaningful friendships and a strong support system are vital to both emotional and mental health. There are many ways to take advantage of the memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteer, see friends more often or talk to them over the phone, and consider taking care of a pet.
Sleep right.
Sleep can enhance your memory and help improve your performance of challenging skills. In fact, four to six hours of sleep at night can impact your ability to think clearly the next day. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Try not to break that routine, even on weekends and holidays.
For your overall well-being, consider getting help from health and beauty centres near your place.