Ways To Improve Memory

Summary: A good memory is essential to assimilate information easily and perform well in exams. Like the body, your brain needs proper nourishment, rest and exercise. Here are a few techniques which will help you improve your memory and boost your brain power.

Memory enhancement techniques: Ways to improve memory and boost brain power

The human mind has the amazing capability to record things and reproduce it at a later stage, something we refer to as memory. While memory has a lot of functions in everyday life, it is very important for students as it helps them learn faster and score more in examinations.

All of us have complained of memory loss at one time or the other. A poor memory has been traditionally associated with old age, but

We can look at the brain as our body; it can be enriched by proper nutrition and exercise. Let us take a look at some of the memory enhancement techniques that can help you develop a razor sharp memory.

Exercise: It has been shown that regular physical exercise is beneficial not only to your physical health but also the health of your brain. Any form of exercise done on a regular basis, be it walking, running, jogging, yoga, swimming, cycling and so on helps to increase brain’s oxygen intake and hence improves memory. Studies have shown that a lack of exercise in older people can actually lead to a decline in memory. So build in a regular exercise regimen into your daily routine.

Focus on your diet: Eating right can go a long way to boost your memory. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those of the colourful variety are known to contain anti-oxidants that are good for brain health since they protect it from oxidative reactions and neutralize free radicals that damage the brain. Berries, oranges, plums, prunes, spinach, broccoli, beets, onions and corn are known to be rich in anti-oxidants. Green tea, another powerful source of anti-oxidants also helps to enhance memory and increase mental alertness. Most varieties of fish are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which are known to be good for the brain. At the same time, you should reduce intake of calories and saturated fats which is present in red meat, butter

The brain needs rest to function at its full capacity and adequate sleep is a must for that. During sleep the things you have learnt get consolidated in your memory and without adequate sleep you will struggle to remember things well. Even as doctors recommend 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis, a minimum of 6-7 hours is a must, if it is over long periods of time. It has been shown that even sleeping a few hours less for one night can affect memory and processing power of the brain the following day.

Cut down on stress: Excessive stress has a debilitating effect on the brain and damages brain cells and has been shown to affect the brain’s power of retrieving stored information. During the time of exams, it is normal to feel stressed out but you need to keep stress levels under control. Taking regular breaks, setting realistic expectations and focusing on one task at a time rather than multi-task can help control stress. Just a few minutes of meditation everyday also helps to relax the mind and improve concentration and cognitive performance of the