Good memory facilitates work, enhances academic performance, and helps improve general functioning. Nevertheless, it’s natural to have moments of forgetfulness.
“While this can be a completely normal occurrence, having poor memory can be quite frustrating,” nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee said, adding that whether you are a student, a working professional, a housewife, or a senior citizen – “everyone wants and needs to have a good memory”.
What can you do, then, to sharpen your memory so that forgetfulness won’t interfere with your daily activities? The memory-enhancing properties of almonds are well recognised, but Mukerjee offered more strategies. Check out.
Mental exercise
The expert recommended engaging in mental exercises like crossword puzzles, reading, learning a new language, or trivia since “these can be helpful in boosting and sustaining cerebral activity and agility.”
Agreeing, Dr Vipul Gupta, Chief – Neuro interventional Surgery and Co-Chief Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Challenging the brain with mental exercises or puzzles like solving the Rubik’s cube can lead to excellent cognitive results.”
A good night’s sleep
The importance of getting enough sleep to maintain your mental and physical health cannot be overstated. “The brain processes, stores, and consolidates information while sleeping.” As a result, it’s critical to get 7-8 hours of restful sleep per day,” she says.
Dr. Gupta went on to say that quality sleep is one of the most important things for the brain to function properly and efficiently.
Passion and involvement
Mukerjee explained that our passion and involvement have a direct effect on mental sharpness. “When we are passionate about something, we dedicate a larger extent of our energy and time to its mastery. This repeated exposure hard wires our brain in a way that makes it sharp,” she said.
Eat healthy
What you eat has a direct effect on the health of your brain. As such, “consume a balanced diet of antioxidant-rich fresh fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fat induced foods
and fibrous grains”.
“Quality protein, vital fatty acids, complex carbs, vitamins, and minerals are all components of a balanced diet for the brain. As part of your everyday diet, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, almonds, fish for omega-3 fatty acids, chocolate, and olive oil,” Dr Gupta added.
Practice meditation
Meditation and yoga are known to have a positive distressing effect on the mind. They help “improve concentration and boost memory”.