 Quick Steps to a Healthy Memory
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10 Steps to Healthy Memory
1. Exercise your mind. Just as exercising strengthens muscles,
mental activity keeps the mind sharp and agile. Read, learn a foreign
language, start a hobby, take classes, learn to play a musical instrument,
volunteer, stay informed, stay connected.
2. Stay physically active. People who exercise most days live
longer and healthier lives. Get moving and include these three important
fitness components in your routine:
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Aerobic activity. Activities such as brisk walking,
bicycling or swimming slow age-related loss of aerobic capacity.
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Strength training. Increasing your strength with weights or
resistance bands can slow or even reverse the loss of muscle associated with
aging.
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Stretching. Stretching increases the range in which you can
bend and stretch joints, muscles and ligaments, helping to prevent stiffness
and prevent injury.
3. Eat, drink, and be healthy. Eat a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables. These contain antioxidants that protect and nourish brain cells.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Develop a system of reminders and cues. Information comes
at you from all directions all the time.
Work through memory overload with these memory triggers:
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Write it down. Keep a diary, use calendars and make lists.
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Establish a routine. Store easy-to-lose items in same place.
Complete tasks in same order. Change is difficult and takes effort.
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Set up cues. Put your keys on the ironing board. That way
you’re more likely to remember to turn off the iron before leaving the
house.
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Practice repetition. To help remember a person’s name, work
it into the conversation several times after being introduced.
5. Take time to remember things. Slow down and pay full
attention to the task at hand.
6. Learn relaxation techniques. Stress and anxiety can
interfere with concentration, so it’s important to take time to relax - really
relax.
7. Keep positive attitude. Studies show that optimists tend to
live longer and healthier.
8. Talk to your doctor. If you or your family worries about
your memory – Speak with your doctor.
9. Check your levels. Know your blood pressure, cholesterol
and blood sugar levels.
10. Keep your perspective. Everyone has difficulty remembering
things at times. So don’t lose sight of how much you do remember. Wisdom is
built from a lifetime of memories.
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