There are random instances when we question our memory, unable to remember the most basic of things or the right word for something. Being forgetful isn’t necessarily something that only old people go through as it can happen to you at any time at any age. In order to tackle the potential cognitive decline, we must consider adopting some healthy habits into our lifestyle. Initially, it is better to start by focusing on your basic needs which includes staying active, having a healthy sleep schedule, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Either way, memory changes can lead to frustration which is why it is important to learn how to keep your mind active and sharp. That will help you protect and improve your memory.
Knowledge Is Power
Studies show that in order to have a better mental function even in old age, it is important to consider advanced education. Whether that’s a two-year vocational course or simply reading up on a particular subject, doing so will keep you mentally active. Having a job constantly challenges your brain, but pursuing a new hobby, skill, or project is a better kind of brain exercise.
Use Your Five Senses
Through experiments carried out on adults, experts have come to the conclusion that incorporating the use of more than one sense in any activity that requires memory retention can help a person remember easily. Therefore, it is important for us to challenge ourselves in a way that we are able to use as many of our senses as possible.
Dismiss The Myths
It is believed that if you tell yourself you do not have a good memory, then your mind convinces yourself that it’s true. This is common in middle-aged or older learners who are exposed to jokes revolving around old age and a bad memory. When this joke takes root in their minds, they start believing it themselves and become discouraged to make an effort to keep their minds sharp. So, whenever you hear this joke being directed at you, ignore it and try to exercise your mind with a sudoku puzzle.
Take Help Where You Can
There are a lot of things that we need to keep in mind, so instead of overburdening yourself, take help from the resources you have like calendars, planners, and even unused notebooks where you can list information and reminders, freeing up that space in your head so you can focus on the more important things.
Repeat After Yourself
You need to establish a connection with what you need to remember. In order to do this, you can simply repeat it to yourself, either verbally or in a written manner. With constant repetition, you’ll end up remembering that particular information when you finally need it.
Don’t Cram
Even though this is what most of us do, it is the reason we are unable to properly retain information. This is why it is better to take breaks in the middle of our task or studies. This gives our brain enough time to absorb the information before resuming.
Unless you suffer from health conditions that play a part in cognitive declines such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and depression, these tips may be just what you need in order to sharpen up your mind and improve memory retention!