Improving your
memory
As we age, we will become more prone to a host of health
problems, including memory-related disorders and illness like
dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, it is imperative that
we take measures to stay mentally alert and sharp while we are
still hale and hearty. Doing so not only allows us to perform
better at school or work, but also allows us to preserve the
colossal library of memories that we have collected throughout our
lives.
Healthy body, healthy
brain
We rely heavily on the physical condition of our brain to
remember things, so it would be good to keep ourselves in the best
of health. Eat nutritious food (they provide fuel for our brain
cells to function and grow), drink alcohol in moderation (it has
negative impact on brain activity) and get enough rest (so your
cells can regenerate and the brain can operate at full capacity).
Physical exercise increases the blood and oxygen flow to the brain
and research has shown that this helps in improving cognitive
ability, so keep yourself fit!
Be positive
Negative emotions, such as feelings of anxiety, depression and
stress, increase cortisol levels in the bloodstream and brain,
which diminishes the brain's retention and recall capabilities.
To maintain good mental health, have a positive outlook on life
and keep emotional aggressors at bay.
Work it
Memory is like a muscular strength - you either use it or lose
it. Avoid letting the recesses of your mind develop cobwebs -
leaving your brain inactive will impede your ability to store new
information, as well as retrieve memories and facts at will.
To stimulate your brain and improve your memory, shake things
up! Engage in intellectual activities that will challenge your mind
and expand your knowledge bank, such as picking up a foreign
language. Fill your free time with activities that require mental
effort, such as doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles, or playing
simulation video games. Don't forget to have fun at the same
time!
Up the ante
Minimise distractions to help you focus on the task at hand or a
concept you are internalising. You can make use of mnemonic
devices, such as acronyms, rhymes and alliteration, to help you
remember things. These are "tricks" associating bits of information
with cues like visual images, which can make memorising and
retrieving information more effortless.
Educate Yourself
Written by Amanda
Ng
Classifield, The Straits Times, Monday, February 4 2013, Pg
C10