Your memory is something that many people take for granted, yet it is one of the most precious things you have. A memory is what helps you cherish wonderful moments in your life, and a memory is something you can rely on to help you carry out your day-to-day tasks. A strong memory can even lead to more promising careers, like working in the police force, or even becoming a lawyer.
All sorts of different careers call for strong memories and thinking on your toes. And while many people may think that keeping a sharp memory is as simple as “eating your vegetables” like your grandma always advised, the truth is that this alone isn’t enough to keep your brain functioning at its best. If you’re looking for ways to not only enhance your memory and preserve it over the years, then here are some of the best ways to do that.
Get Exercise
Believe it or not, there is a significant link between how much we move our bodies, and how well our brains function. Physical activity is beneficial for your cognitive abilities because it increases blood flow to the brain. When you have more blood flow in your brain, you have an increased amount of neurons, and improved brain health overall.
To get the maximum benefits from exercise, aim for at least 2 1/2 hours of moderately intense exercise per week. While this may initially sound like a lot, when you spread this out and break it up throughout the week, it’s only about 20 to 30 minutes of movement a day. That means a quick walk around the block, or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator. When the motivation behind working out is knowing you’ll have an improved memory, it’s even more motivating to get moving.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Unfortunately, alcohol is one of the worst things you can consume when it comes to damaging your body. Studies have shown that excess alcohol consumption will smooth out the grooves of your brain, and significantly impact your ability to retain memories. If possible, eliminate or reduce your intake. The less alcohol you drink, the more your entire body will thank you for it over the years.
Sleep
Did you know that getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night is one of the best things you can do for your memory? Studies show that people who felt to get enough size that night have significantly slower performing memories than those who prioritize getting enough rest on a regular basis.
It’s actually understandable to miss out on sleep once in a while if you have a busy lifestyle, however, it is hardly a long-term excuse. By organizing your schedule, and practicing healthy bedtime rituals, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get at least 8 hours of sleep five nights out of the week. If you can manage to do this consistently over the years, you’ll keep your brain sharp and functioning at top performance well into your retirement years.