A healthy brain ensures a strong memory. Good memory is an important part of preparing for any examination. Whether you’re a student studying for board exams or a professional competing in the rat race, many of us struggle with it. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do to smarten up. These 5 simple tips can help you improve your memory, and increase your retention power.
Brain workout: Memory, like muscles, needs to be used. The more we work out our brain, the better we will be able to process, remember and recapitulate information. Brain, just like the body, gets accustomed to the daily routine and thus, it is important to shake things up from time to time! The easiest way to do so is to break the monotony and develop new brain pathways. For instance, try something outside of your comfort zone, like a new music instrument or a new sport. Trying activities out of your routine gets the brain working. The more we work out our brain, the better it will be able to process and remember information.
Even though brain workout is important, it would be a mistake to stay within the four walls of your room to exercise the brain. It is important to step out in the fresh air and sweat out to get the body energized. Physical exercise helps to keep the brain stay sharp as it increases oxygen supply to the brain and helps in the release of happy brain chemicals, thus reducing stress.
Stress check: Stress has proven to be the biggest enemy for almost anyone taking an exam. Prolonged stress not only harms the overall well-being of an individual but also plays a havoc in the brain. It can damage the brain cells, eventually impacting your grades. Not only this, chronic stress can damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for the formation of new memories and also for the recapitulation of old ones.
To keep stress at bay, it is important to express oneself freely. It is also important to take some time off and participate in activities that help reduce daily work pressure. Meeting friends, having a good laugh, going for a vacation, etc. are a great way to de-stress. Following a healthy, balanced diet is also must as it helps to keep the body fueled for the day’s requirements.
Have a good laugh: Laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. Unlike other emotional responses, laughter involves different regions of the brain. Laughter not only helps relieve stress but also lightens the atmosphere. Listening to jokes, participating in fun activities, quizzes, etc. are a great way to relieve stress and help the brain function better.
Share funny incidents and never be embarrassed of yourself. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when we took ourselves too seriously. Spend time with fun-loving people, discuss funny incidents, for after all laughter is contagious.
Brain-boosting diet: Just as the body needs fuel to sustain through the day’s activities, so does the brain. Thus, it is best to incorporate certain lifestyle changes to improve memory and overall health. A diet based on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats and will provide essential nutrients coupled with health benefits. A balanced diet helps boost brainpower and reduces the risk of brain diseases. It is best to limit the intake of trans- and saturated fats as these have a negative impact on the brain, and often lead to impaired concentration and memory.
Get a good night’s sleep: An average adult needs between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep. Sound sleep is critical to learning and memory. If the body doesn’t get proper rest your memory, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and critical thinking are all compromised. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and thus, it is necessary to have a regular sleep schedule. Also, it is best to avoid the use of smartphones, tablets, etc. at night as it not only affects the eyesight but also tires the brain without actually grasping anything constructive.
