About 40 percent of adults will develop memory problems as they get older. This means that building your memory skills as much as you can when you’re younger is one of the best things you can do to stave off age-related memory loss.
Unfortunately for many people, figuring out how to have a better memory and improve brain function isn’t as simple as they might think. Some tactics work better than others. You just need to know where to start.
Here are a few proven ways to boost your memory and help you retain the things you want more easily.
1. Pick up a New Hobby
Think of your brain as a muscle. When you use it, it gets stronger and stays that way more easily. If you stop using it, it will get weaker and start to lose the ability to retain information as well.
One of the best ways to build your memory skills is to challenge your brain. And the best way to challenge your brain is to pick up a new hobby. The act of teaching yourself a new skill pushes your brain to stay active.
Think about the types of activities you’ve always felt interested in or hobbies you’ve always wanted to try. Pick the one that you’re most interested in and start learning how to do it.
Your new hobby doesn’t have to be something that you think of as truly challenging. It can be as simple as doing the latest crossword puzzle in the morning or picking up a new musical instrument just for fun.
It’s okay if progress is slow at first. As long as you’re using your brain and working to improve your skills, you’ll build up your memory skills in the process.
2. Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is key in helping your body stay healthy but did you know it also impacts your brain’s health, too? You don’t have to go crazy—just exercise for at least 30 minutes a few times a week, getting your heart rate up.
This will get your blood moving and helps supply your brain with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to thrive.
Try to make exercise fun so you can stay motivated and keep up with your workouts for the foreseeable future. Go hiking and take in nature, bike with a friend, or join a dance center and start attending to dance classes .
Even small amounts of physical activity can help boost your memory and act as a natural memory enhancer.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
Believe it or not, the food you eat can impact your brain’s health and your memory. Look at your diet and examine the foods you’re eating on a daily basis.
If you’re eating tons of sugar, junk food, and processed ingredients, it’s time to make a change.
Start incorporating more lean proteins like fish and chicken into your diet and add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to every meal. If you need a dose of carbohydrates, reach for whole grains rather than junk foods.
These whole foods are full of nutrients that help your brain function properly on its own. Once you make the switch, you’ll quickly discover that your memory skills will be stronger and your overall health and wellbeing will improve.
4. Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is beneficial for your entire body, but it’s also essential to figuring out how to improve brain function. When you sleep, your brain rests and recharges.
This makes it easier for you to retain memories and go about your daily tasks with ease.
If you don’t get enough sleep, your brain won’t be able to recover as well. This means you’ll end up struggling to focus on even the most basic tasks. Even worse, you’ll have trouble retaining information since your body’s energy reserves will get sent away from your memory and to other parts of your body that need them more.
The best thing you can do is start prioritizing your sleep schedule. Get in the habit of going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning. This will help establish a better sleep pattern and, over time, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep and stay that way for the entire night.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Relax
Just as your body needs enough sleep each night to fully recover, it also needs to relax and unwind on a regular basis. Try to give yourself permission to take time for yourself each week and find ways to de-stress and unwind.
When you’re able to relax and ditch those feelings of stress at the end of the day, your brain will be able to focus on more important things. When it’s not constantly re-examining everything that happened in the day or stressing about events you can’t control, your mind can better focus on the things that matter.
By controlling your stress levels and taking time to relax, you’ll improve your memory as well as your emotional wellbeing.
Finding ways to relax can be as simple as doing something you enjoy. Read a good book at the end of the day, sip on a favorite beverage when you get home from work, or take a few minutes to meditate and clear your mind. As long as you’re doing something that makes you feel good and alleviates the feelings of stress, you’ll be on the right track.
Boost Your Memory Skills With These Tips
These are just a few of the easiest ways to boost your memory skills quickly. Try them for yourself and see if you can tell a difference in your memory and brain function.
If one doesn’t work or you’re not happy with the results, keep trying. It can take time for your memory to build back up to the levels you’re used to. But if you’re persistent, you should see some results.
Looking for ways to further improve your health so you can stay active for longer? Check out our latest posts.
