When leaving for work you forget where you put your keys. Names and birth dates often slip your mind. You can’t remember details like you used to. These are sure signs that your memory is failing, but the good news is you can get it back. Here are the top reasons why memory fades over time and simple things you can do to strengthen it.
Stress:
Adults nowadays are under more pressure than at any other time in the past. Our minds are in a constant whirlwind of information overload, work related tasks, responsibilities, and never-ending chore lists. It’s no wonder you can’t hold on to more than a fleeting thought! Just when one bit of information enters your mind, there’s a ten mile line of others waiting to replace it at lightning speed. You can’t do it all! Tend to a few things each day that must be done, cut back on those less important tasks, and let go of the rest.
Lack of sleep:
Studies show that just 100 years ago people slept an average of 9 hours per night. Now we’re down to 6 or less. The body and mind need at least 8 hours of sleep every night to rest and rebuild. Operating on a three-hour sleep deficit day in and day out eventually takes its toll. Energy drinks and coffee can only keep you going for so long, and in the long run they have negative effects on the mind and body. Nothing can replace good, old-fashioned sleep. Try getting to bed an hour earlier. You’ll quickly see what the extra rest can do for you.
Poor nutrition:
The brain can’t function properly on a diet of fast food and simple carbohydrates. Although the effects aren’t immediate, over time a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates will lead to a weakened immune system, chronic fatigue, memory loss, and a host of other problems. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. Start out with small steps in cleaning up your diet. Replace a burger with grilled chicken breast. Keep carrot and celery sticks within easy reach since many times we munch on chips and crackers simply because we’re bored, nervous, or just want to chew on something. Try having a vegetarian dinner once a week. Increasing fresh foods feeds every cell in your body, especially your brain.
Aging:
While we can’t turn back the hands of time, there are ways to keep the brain young. Ginkgo is a valuable herb and has been shown to help boost memory and circulation. Walking is a good, mild exercise that increases the oxygen your brain needs to stay young. Doing a crossword puzzle every day also helps to keep your mind agile. The old saying, “Use it or lose it” is true where the brain and body are concerned.
Memory loss isn’t something you have to accept. Through better nutrition and sleep habits, reducing stress, exercise, taking an herbal supplement such as ginkgo, and doing a fun word puzzle each day you can have a better memory and better health long into your golden years.
