Easy Ways to Keep Your Memory Sharp Throughout Your Life
Every person’s body betrays them at one point or another. Whether it’s catching a cold, which can be recovered from within 10 days, having an allergic reaction, or having some other ailment, our bodies don’t always act the way we want them to. But there are those certain things that we think we have no control over — like memory loss as we age. However, there are several ways to keep your memory sharp, whether you’re 25 or 65. Let’s take a look at a few simple ways to keep your memory sharp so you avoid memory problems throughout your life.
Keep Socializing
Having an active social life isn’t just for fun, it can actually be extremely beneficial to your health as well. Social interaction can help keep conditions like depression and chronic stress at bay, both of which can enhance memory loss. This goes for people of all ages. One study in 2008 found that senior citizens with higher levels of social integration had a rate of memory decline at half of those with little to no social interaction. Socializing can also help keep your mind active. So whether you’re sitting home playing video games with friends, playing in a band, playing games, or simply driving around, doing activities with other people can significantly improve your long-term memory.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Not surprisingly, our physical well-being has a lot to do with our mental health. With that in mind, it’s important to know that eating a healthy diet can do wonders for your memory. As good as fast food and greasy meals taste, they’re not great for your body or your mind. So instead, eat more fish, citrus fruits, nuts, and even chocolate (in moderation). These foods are packed with nutrients that can help boost memory function, learning abilities, and even motor skills. Additionally, make sure you’re getting enough of the important nutrients, like iodine, which 72% of the global population is deficient in, according to the WHO. Eating healthy and making sure you’re getting the proper nutrients can keep both your body and your mind feeling strong.
Continue to Learn
One of the easiest, and possibly most enjoyable, ways to keep your memory sharp is to continue learning. When you spend more time learning, you’re keeping your mind mentally active. This, in turn, can maintain brain cell function and stimulate communication between those brain cells. So whether you have a job that keeps challenging your brain, you’re going to school, or you spend time reading, you’re doing your memory a favor. Exercise mental skills you don’t normally use, try new activities, and always keep learning if you want your memory functions to continue to remain active and healthy.
Contrary to popular belief, memory loss is not inevitable as we age. While our bodies and minds do slow down as we get older, there are plenty of ways to keep our brain functions strong throughout our lives. So eat a healthy diet, go out with your friends more often, and take every opportunity to learn something new.
