10 Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp

Raise your hand if you feel like you can’t remember anything! You’re not alone, but it’s important to keep your brain strong and your memory sharp. You don’t have to accept poor memory as a normal part of the aging process! You can take charge and keep your memory sharp no matter your age! Here’s what you need to know:

1. Do puzzles:

Doing puzzles requires concentration and eye-hand coordination- two things that keep your brain strong and help with memory.

2. Do word games:

Crossword puzzles and games like Scrabble keep you thinking and help exercise your brain.

3. Get enough exercise:

Exercising helps get the blood- and oxygen- flowing to your brain.

4. Eat good brain foods:

This includes nuts, fish, and avocado for healthy omega-3 fats, berries and citrus for antioxidants, and whole grains for important B vitamins.

5. Learn new things:

Think of your brain like a muscle that needs exercise to keep it strong. Learning new things helps your brain stay in shape. Take classes, take on new hobbies, learn new skills.

6. Use all your senses:

Incorporate multiple senses in your activities. When you use more than one sense in learning something new, you’re more likely to remember it.

7. Repeat or write down new information:

This will help reinforce it into your memory.

8. Reduce stress:

Being under a lot of stress makes it hard to remember things. Beat stress by doing deep breathing or meditating.

9. Get enough sleep:

Sleeping helps consolidate your memories, and being tired has a negative effect on your memory.

10. Protect your brain:

Do your part to prevent brain injury by wearing a helmet when you bike, ride a motorcycle, ski, etc. Always wear a seat belt in the car.