As we age, it is natural for our physical health to decline. In order to prevent it, experts encourage the youth to be mindful of their health. Healthy habits maintained from an early age indeed last a lifetime. However, how many of us have made changes that benefit our brain health? In comparison to general health, people rarely focus on their brain and mental health. Brain health is a wide system and memory is just a small part of it. Memory loss is the first noticeable symptom of brain health decline. Occasional forgetfulness is common, we all forget and misplace things from time to time. Still, it is important to pay attention to your brain health to notice any negative changes.
How to Improve Memory Power and Boost Brain Health
Your memory and brain health is affected by several factors, including genetics and age. People inherit or develop diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease due to genetics. It isn’t possible to modify these factors, but you can prevent any damage to your brain health. In fact, it isn’t impossible to restore your memory either. You just need to keep the following strategies in mind to boost your brain health.
Physical Exercise
We’re all aware of the numerous benefits of exercise. It is great for weight maintenance, improving sleep, and reducing the risk of diabetes. Agree with HealthCanal, physical activity increases blood flow throughout your body while pumping oxygen to your brain. Whether it is aerobic exercise or a bike ride, it will make a difference in your brain health. If you’re not familiar with these exercises, a brisk walk for 25 minutes can be helpful, too.
Mental Exercise
Along with physical exercise, your brain too needs some activity. Brain training is considered an ideal method to boost brain health. It involves different sets of games, such as cards, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, and so on. Playing games requires a certain level of alertness and problem solving, which can be beneficial for your thinking abilities. Mental exercises are recommended for older adults to preserve their cognitive functions.
Meditation
Cognitive decline is common in elderly individuals due to a decrease in grey matter. Grey matter includes regions that control emotions, memory, and decision-making skills. It is in charge of the movement of muscles in the nervous system. Meditation has been proven to increase grey matter in people of all ages. It is a soothing and relaxing form of exercise, especially if you’re dealing with mental disorders. A short session of meditation regularly can sharpen your memory.
Remove Distractions
In today’s world, distractions are becoming more and more accessible. A buzz from your phone can completely disrupt your focus. If you want your brain to retain information, it is crucial to set your entire focus on it. Distractions can make the transfer of information from short-term memory to long-term memory difficult. Lack of focus makes tasks more time consuming, as your brain isn’t attending to the information thoroughly.
Sleep Properly
An average adult needs around 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day. Unfortunately, most of us fail to meet that number due to busy schedules or deadlines. Your brain requires an adequate amount of sleep to function properly. It will naturally lack performance, even if you compromise on a few hours of sleep. Memory consolidation is at its peak during sleep, which is why it is important to maintain a sleep routine and avoid electronics an hour before going to bed.
Avoid Alcohol
Teens often drink alcohol without considering the consequences. Excessive drinking affects the regions of the brain responsible for memory. It can impair judgment and make you sluggish, making it difficult to focus on work or academics.
Socialize
Experts have encouraged social activities, especially in older adults. Socializing is beneficial for enhancing your memory, as well as exposing you to different challenges. Staying connected to like-minded people can prevent depression and anxiety, which contribute to memory loss. Several volunteer groups and get-togethers can assist in dementia, as they connect you to the present.
Eat Healthier
Healthy eating is not only important for your body, but it also supports your brain health. People who consume excessive sugar, mainly sodas, and sugary drinks, have a higher risk of memory loss and cognitive decline. While people with healthier food choices have better brain function and perform well overall.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a natural bodily reaction, but a large amount of stress can be harmful to your brain. It is linked to memory loss and destroys brain cells, while also affecting your current and old memories. We recommend engaging in meditation and breathing exercises to avoid chronic stress in your daily life.
Stay Hopeful
Articles and research can often disappoint elderly people. Your age doesn’t guarantee a cognitive decline, it depends on genetics and lifestyle. If you focus on the stereotypes attached to old age and memory, you’re more likely to lack brain health. Therefore, it is important to avoid negative thoughts and believe in yourself.
Conclusion
The best way to increase your brainpower is by eating the right foods. As discovered, some of these will be vitamins and minerals that are essential for supporting healthy cognitive function, while others may provide energy or promote weight loss in addition!.
