Memory loss is inevitable as we age, but taking the proper steps to boost brain function can have profound effects on brain health and slow down the brain aging process. By eating the proper nutrients and challenging your brain, you can be on your way to increasing your memory (and not forgetting your house keys on the kitchen counter again!)
1. Give Your Brain a Workout
We all know that challenging exercises at the gym will strengthen our muscles, and similarly, doing activities that challenge the mind will strengthen brain function. Before you treat yourself to couch and television time every evening, make it a goal to complete a quick puzzle. Or, take it one step further and play a game of chess, take up a new hobby like knitting or learn a new language or instrument.
2. Use Associations
Have you ever met someone and immediately forgotten their name after shaking their hand? A trick to remembering details is to activate memory through association. If you keep forgetting someone’s name in a meeting, visualize their face with a visual image for their name. For example, you could associate Mr. Strong with “strong” coffee. The more you do this, the more it will become a habit and you will be remembering names in no time!
3. Be Well Read
When you read, your brain must take in information and process it to not only understand sentences but also visualize them. Reading acts as a mental exercise that keeps memory sharp, and essentially creates new memories. As an added bonus, you’ll expand your vocabulary and may find yourself more relaxed.
4. Switch things up
When you do the same things every single day, your brain becomes used to the routine. New situations encourage the brain to work harder to retain new information and help you get through new challenges. Anything from something as simple as taking a different route to the store to something more complex such as traveling to a new country where you don’t know the language well will activate your brainpower.
5. Catch Those Zzz’s
Of all of the things people want and need the most, most would agree sleep is at the top of the list. Sleep helps us process new information and formulate short-term memories into long-term memories. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep and you will have more energy, a productive day and the ability to focus and retain information better.
6. Get Your Om On
Mindfulness and meditation are getting a lot of buzz lately, and for a good reason. Many studies point to meditation being incredibly helpful in improving memory and increasing focus and concentration. To really reap the benefits, experts suggest committing to a daily practice, even if it means starting with five minutes at a time.
7. Eat Your Way to Brain Health
Omega-3s are an essential brain nutrient that protects cell membranes and improves memory. Our bodies do not naturally make them, so it’s important to eat sufficient amounts. Thankfully Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs. Try out this brain health powerhouse for breakfast to start your day off sharp Omega-3 Burrito or this colorful Rainbow Sheet Pan with Runny Eggs dish for a nutritious lunch.
8. Move It
You know the saying “you will never regret a workout”? That rings especially true when you want to affect your memory and brain function in a positive way. In fact, many studies show “parts of the brain that control thinking and memory have greater volume in people who exercise versus people who don’t”. So whether you only have time for a brisk walk after work or the energy for a challenging HIIT class, you won’t regret it!