Can’t remember where your keys are? Worried that you’ve left the iron on? If you are feeling ‘foggy’ and having trouble remembering things check out 10 surprising ways to sharpen your brain!
Unleash your inner Zen
Meditation can not only help relieve stress, but also improve brain function. In one study, participants were asked to practice a guided meditation for 15 to 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks. MRI scans showed not only improved functional connectivity in the default mode network but also slowed shrinkage of the hippocampus, the main part of the brain responsible for memory that usually shrinks with dementia. Participants also showed an overall improvement in cognition and wellbeing.
Tip from: Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritonist and author of Natural Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Go for a chewy
Sitting an exam? Going for a job interview? Reach for a chewing gum! Research found that people who chewed throughout tests of long-term and short-term memory achieved better scores than people who did nod by 35%. What’s the reason behind it? According to scientists, chewing gum increases heart rate and anything that improves delivery of things like oxygen in the brain can potentially enhance cognitive function.
Keep those pearly whites clean
Brushing your teeth regularly will not only keep your smile white but will also boost your memory. Researchers at the University of California found that people who brush their teeth less than once a day might be up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than those who brush it daily. How come? Scientists think that the bacteria that cause gum disease may trigger an immune response in the brain, which destroys neurons and can cause symptoms such as memory loss.
Be social
Making friends and socialising has a great impact on our emotional wellbeing as well as brain functions. How? When speaking to people and building relationships, you have to pay attention to what they say and then use your memory to recall information to be able to hold a conversation.
Curry for dinner?
There is a reason why Turmeric has been described as a superfood. The substance that gives it the yellow/orange colour is known as curcumin, which is the main agent that is responsible for its health giving properties. It has an anti inflammatory effect. Studies have shown that a pinch of turmeric a day keeps memory loss away. Now there is more reason to enjoy your favourite curry!
Doodling
Did you know that doodling during a call or a meeting can actually help you remember what has been said better? One study showed people who doodled while listening performed almost 30% better on a surprise memory quiz than those who did not.
Learn something new
There is a range of techniques to keep your brain alert that doesn’t have to paper-based cognitive tasks. Walking in a new park or taking up line dancing fire up new neural pathways that keep your brain in touch. Needing to remember the steps n a dance is also a wonderful workout for your brain – learning the flow and rhythm of the music stimulates cognitive activity, while learning and performing the steps is great for both your memory and your physical fitness. Active learning is the perfect complement for doing jigsaws, Sudoku and crosswords.
Do yoga
Researchers hypothesise that the positive effects of exercise on cognitive function occur because exercise can increase hippocampal volume by 2%, reversing age-related loss in volume by one to two years. In another study, yoga has been shown to be more effective at improving memory than brain training. Both yoga and brain training improve verbal memory, but the yoga had the added benefit of improving visual-spatial memory too. This is the memory that helps with remembering locations.
Get busy between the sheets
A huge study of more than 6,800 people showed that those who were active in the bedroom had sharpen cognitive function. It is thought that the benefit could come from the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine into the brain during intercourse.
Say it OUT LOUD
This is the easiest of all methods – just say it out loud! Studies published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, found saying things out loud to yourself will help with recall. How? Scientists call it the production effect: the words you speak aloud are translated into speech and you have knowledge of producing the items as well as a memory of hearing them. All of this information makes your memory store all those details for longer.