Your health and wellness journey doesn’t start and stop with your physical body. Our health encompasses our mental and emotional well-being, too. I’m not sure about you, but I know that one of my fears in growing older is the deterioration of my mind.
I want to have a great memory, to hold on to old information, and have room to absorb new things. Being a life-long learner, I just want to be able to keep doing that.
If you can relate, keep reading…I’ve got some great tips for staying sharp for decades to come!
6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory & Brain Function
#1) Take care of your body.
Brain health is part of physical health. What we eat, drink, and consume has a profound impact on our brain’s ability to acquire, process, and recall information. You’ll want to mind your diet for this (and many other!) compelling reasons. “Brain food” is no joke! Focus on food rich in Omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. Whole foods are always better than processed. Limit your sodium, processed sugar, and alcohol intake. Smoker? Cut it out!
On top of minding what you eat, focus on getting regular exercise. It can be as simple as a brisk 20-minute walk every morning. Studies show that regular exercise improves focus and productivity, both of which benefit the brain.
#2) Go distraction-free.
While multitasking is one problem here – something that we keep trying to do despite its impossibility – I’m talking about other distractions, too. If you want to really learn something and retain what you’ve learned, you must get rid of the distractions. Don’t have Netflix on in the background, a podcast in your ear, or the hustle and bustle of others. Diving deep demands you full, uninterrupted attention.
#3) Get quality sleep.
I harp on the importance of sleep a lot, and it’s never been without good reason! Quality sleep plays an integral role in cellular regeneration and protection. It can reduce inflammation, bolster your immune system, repair damaged organs, and, you guessed it…improve the mind. Sleep is key when you want to learn and retain new information. Good sleep before sets the stage for attentiveness and focus while sleep after helps your brain process, solidify, and memorize that information.
#4) Stop trying to cram.
Most of us learned some bad study habits throughout our college years. How many of you have pulled an all-nighter trying to cram for a big exam? Hands up. Mine’s up, full disclosure! The temptation to speed through learning hasn’t gone away, either. We might not fear failing a big test, but we do have this mindset of speed and efficiency that ends up being counterintuitive.
If you’re trying to absorb new information or learn a new skill, take your time. Spread it over several sessions. Don’t aim for overnight mastery because it’s just not going to happen!
#5) Test yourself.
Are you retaining the information that you’ve learned? I’ve probably read hundreds (if not more) books in my lifetime, and I know I’ve forgotten much of that content (I’m sure it was great!). Part of improving memory and recall is to take what you’ve learned beyond its source. Correlate information with your existing knowledge. Make connections. Bring it up in conversation. Test yourself! Look for ways to apply this new information to your daily life. Explore different ways to utilize it. The more you can use what you learn, the more permanent it will become in your mind.
#6) Engage your brain.
These days, too much of our downtime is spent on passive activities. We don’t have to really engage with watching television and YouTube or listening to podcasts and music. A lot of us are driven to “disengage” our brains for a little while and rest after a long day. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it does need to be paired with brain exercise!
Sodoku and crossword puzzles may not be your speed, but they’re not the only ways to flex your brainpower. Pick a strategy game or other “thinking” game for family game night. Pick up a new, engaging hobby. Take the scenic drive on the way home. Each of these small steps helps your brain stay active and engaged in the world.
What exercises do you do to keep your mind sharp? Share in the comments.