How to keep an active memory
Nov 25, 2007
A GOOD memory is an asset that everybody would desire. Your brain functions like an engine. If you do not use it, you lose it. Any engine gets rusted when it is not put to use. A brain that is not exercised slows down, leading to memory loss. Let us explore some ways of keeping your brain active and
By Jamesa Wagwau
A GOOD memory is an asset that everybody would desire. Your brain functions like an engine. If you do not use it, you lose it. Any engine gets rusted when it is not put to use. A brain that is not exercised slows down, leading to memory loss. Let us explore some ways of keeping your brain active and the memory strong.
The brain needs a balanced diet
A study published in the American journal of Geriatric Psychiatry showed a correlation between a healthy diet and efficient memory. Take plenty of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Apart from cleansing the body, fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential nutrients to boost your brain power.
Engage in active physical exercise
Studies show that cardiovascular exercises done over a long period of time help reduce the amount of brain tissue you lose as you age.
In a recent research, scientists from the University of Illinois, in the US, found that aerobic exercises for one hour a week increased the brain volume and contributed significantly to attention and memory processing. Exercises also improve the heart’s blood flow, which in turn help the brain stay sharper.
Put your brain to task
Intellectually stimulating activities and games such as scrabble and crossword puzzles are great tools for boosting memory. Even riddles and brain games can help.
Researchers at Stanford University (US) found that memory loss can be improved by 30-50% simply by doing mental exercises. Your brain can be compared to an athlete’s muscles that can only remain fit when exercised; the more active you keep your brain; the easier it is for it to analyse issues and remember information accurately. Surveys have exhibited that the harder you work your brain, the sharper it becomes.
Read, read, read
Not every form of reading improves memory. For the book to stimulate your brain, you need to review, analyse and critically question what you have read. This form of reading stimulates your brain to think beyond the printed word.
Unlike critical reading, leisurely reading like reading a story book might improve your language skills, but not necessarily your memory.
Be interested in whatever you want to remember
Psychologists believe that we remember only what we are interested in. Associating what you do not know to what you know makes it easier to remember. You can remember people’s names by associating their names with somebody else who bears the same name.
Manage your stress
Keep your stress to a minimum. When you are stressed, your brain releases hormones that can be damaging. Chronic stress can also make you feel depressed or anxious — feelings that grossly interfere with the way your brain processes memories.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if you must
According to a study reported in ScienceDaily, researchers found that alcohol consumption suppresses certain areas of the brain, making information processing difficult. Excessive alcohol also kills brain cells gradually, leading to memory loss.
A GOOD memory is an asset that everybody would desire. Your brain functions like an engine. If you do not use it, you lose it. Any engine gets rusted when it is not put to use. A brain that is not exercised slows down, leading to memory loss. Let us explore some ways of keeping your brain active and the memory strong.
The brain needs a balanced diet
A study published in the American journal of Geriatric Psychiatry showed a correlation between a healthy diet and efficient memory. Take plenty of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Apart from cleansing the body, fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential nutrients to boost your brain power.
Engage in active physical exercise
Studies show that cardiovascular exercises done over a long period of time help reduce the amount of brain tissue you lose as you age.
In a recent research, scientists from the University of Illinois, in the US, found that aerobic exercises for one hour a week increased the brain volume and contributed significantly to attention and memory processing. Exercises also improve the heart’s blood flow, which in turn help the brain stay sharper.
Put your brain to task
Intellectually stimulating activities and games such as scrabble and crossword puzzles are great tools for boosting memory. Even riddles and brain games can help.
Researchers at Stanford University (US) found that memory loss can be improved by 30-50% simply by doing mental exercises. Your brain can be compared to an athlete’s muscles that can only remain fit when exercised; the more active you keep your brain; the easier it is for it to analyse issues and remember information accurately. Surveys have exhibited that the harder you work your brain, the sharper it becomes.
Read, read, read
Not every form of reading improves memory. For the book to stimulate your brain, you need to review, analyse and critically question what you have read. This form of reading stimulates your brain to think beyond the printed word.
Unlike critical reading, leisurely reading like reading a story book might improve your language skills, but not necessarily your memory.
Be interested in whatever you want to remember
Psychologists believe that we remember only what we are interested in. Associating what you do not know to what you know makes it easier to remember. You can remember people’s names by associating their names with somebody else who bears the same name.
Manage your stress
Keep your stress to a minimum. When you are stressed, your brain releases hormones that can be damaging. Chronic stress can also make you feel depressed or anxious — feelings that grossly interfere with the way your brain processes memories.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if you must
According to a study reported in ScienceDaily, researchers found that alcohol consumption suppresses certain areas of the brain, making information processing difficult. Excessive alcohol also kills brain cells gradually, leading to memory loss.