Everyone has that moment where they just can’t remember that name… or they walk into a room and immediately forget what they went there for. Don’t worry. You aren’t going senile just yet. Your brain is simply experiencing a bit of difficulty with memory, and this could be for many different reasons. Knowing what these are and working on them can help you regain your full mental functionality. Here are a few things you may want to consider:
1. Sleep – How much sleep are you getting? A good night’s sleep averages at around eight hours. People who live on two hours of sleep may become forgetful or drowsy in the middle of work and yes, the coffee will stop working at some point! Take a nap when you can and make sure you are well-rested to take on new information and tasks.
2. Go Analog – In today’s digital age, it is easy to forget to do some things and not really think about them. Give yourself a bit of a mental boost and turn off the TV. Get creative with a pen and paper or a pencil. Draw, read, and write all without electronics to give yourself just the right boost you need.
3. Games – This is the fun part. You don’t have to play a game as complicated as chess either. You can try mah-jongg or checkers or even Super Mario Brothers and Call of Duty to get your brain in gear. The brain is a muscle and, just like the rest of your body, it needs a work out every now and again. Managing multiple inputs and working out strategies can help the elasticity of your brain, giving you a little edge in your next round of Scattergories.
4. Lifestyle – You are what you eat, and what you eat can control your mental functions. Blueberries are very good for your brain since they contain antioxidants which protect your brain from degenerative diseases. Exercise pumps more blood to your brain thus improving your focus and mental function. Drink water to keep your brain hydrated and have a good balanced diet. Your mind works better when your body is healthy.
5. Socialize – This is one of the easier things to maintain your mental health. Studies show that while socializing some parts of our brains are activated, like those used in decision making or responses. Moreover, you can de-stress by doing something fun with others and beat depression; both of these things may affect your memory.
6. Organize – When everything is cluttered, there is a chance you might not be able to work. If there is a lot of clutter surrounding your workspace, this may hinder your thought processes. Clear the space where you work and note the difference. Keeping a diary and a checklist of things to do can also help you remember important things. Organize your day and you should have no problems organizing your thoughts.
7. Caffeine – A word of caution when using this for alertness; exercise moderation. In moderation, caffeine is a good way to start the day. If you take too much, it can trigger emotions like anger which are not productive. A bit of coffee a day can’t hurt. But look out for the afternoon crash.
8. Positive Thoughts – If depression causes mental block, positive thoughts do the opposite. When you are upset, put on some music you like or take a break from things and relax. Practice breathing exercises and positive affirmation in your mirror every morning. Learn to appreciate yourself, let go of guilt and pain, and let yourself cry at that sappy romance flick by that popular author who writes every book the exact same way. A happy mind is a healthy mind.
1 week 5 days ago