Category: Moms

Improve cognitive alertness

Improve cognitive alertness

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Research shows that alertnesss is necessary for memory consolidation, with the key memory-enhancing activity aleftness during the deepest stages of sleep.

Get on a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time each morning. Try not to break your routine, even on weekends and holidays.

Avoid all screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue alertness emitted by TVs, tablets, phones, and computers trigger wakefulness and suppress hormones such as aoertness that make you sleepy.

Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine affects people differently. Some people are highly sensitive, and even morning coffee may interfere with sleep at night. Try reducing your intake or cutting it out entirely if you suspect it's keeping you up.

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more.

Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. If you're like most of us, it's probably the former. But countless studies show that a life full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits.

Humans are highly social animals. We're not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brains—in fact, interacting with others may provide the best kind of brain exercise. Research shows that having meaningful friendships and a strong support system are vital not only to emotional health, but also to brain health.

In one recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, for example, researchers found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.

There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteerjoin a club, make it a point to see friends more often, or reach out over the phone. And if a human isn't handy, don't overlook the value of a pet —especially the highly-social dog.

Stress is one of the brain's worst enemies. Over time, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Studies have also linked stress to memory loss. The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues to pile up.

Studies show that meditation helps improve many different types of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Meditation also can improve focus, concentration, creativity, memory, and learning and reasoning skills.

Brain images show that regular meditators have more activity in the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with feelings of joy and equanimity. Meditation also increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and encourages more connections between brain cells—all of which increases mental sharpness and memory ability.

Try one of HelpGuide's free Audio Meditations. You've heard that laughter is the best medicineand that holds true for the brain and the memory, as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain.

Furthermore, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. Laugh at yourself.

Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when we took ourselves too seriously. When you hear laughter, move toward it. Most of the time, people are very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it.

When you hear laughter, seek it out and try to join in. Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily—both at themselves and at life's absurdities—and who routinely find the humor in everyday events.

Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious. Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep aelrtness toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office.

Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your loved ones having fun. Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing. Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. Get your omega-3s.

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. If you're not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as seaweed, walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.

Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage.

Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.

Drink wine or grape juice in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in moderation around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for menalcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts. Do you feel that your memory has taken an unexplainable dip?

If so, there may be a health or lifestyle problem to blame. It's not just dementia or Alzheimer's disease that causes memory loss. There are many diseases, mental health disorders, and medications that can interfere with memory:. Heart disease and its risk factors.

: Improve cognitive alertness

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Remember, consistency is key - the more regularly you practice, the greater the benefits you'll experience. Living in an era of constant notifications and digital noise, your mental environment could be clouded with distractions.

Cutting out these distractions is vital for improving mental alertness. Here's why: distractions fragment your focus, making it difficult for your brain to fully engage with a task. This can reduce your efficiency and productivity.

It's time to take back control of your attention. Start by identifying the main sources of distraction in your immediate environment. This could be your smartphone, excessive noise, or even clutter in your workspace. Once identified, make an effort to eliminate or reduce these.

For instance, set your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode during work hours or invest in noise-cancelling headphones. A study by the University of California Irvine revealed that regaining our initial momentum following an interruption can take, on average, upwards of 20 minutes.

Thus, by eliminating distractions, you'll spend less time regaining focus and more time operating at your mental best. Less distractions, better mental alertness! Music can be a key player in boosting your mental alertness. Scientific research has shown that listening to certain types of music, notably classical or instrumental, can enhance cognitive performance.

A study by Stanford University found that music with a specific rhythm can help the brain stay engaged by inducing a 'focus' state.

This allows your brain to better absorb and process information. Don't think it's only for the Mozart fans, though. Any music that you find enjoyable can release dopamine in your brain, improving your mood and, consequently, your mental alertness.

It's about finding a balance - music that is too complex or too exciting could become a distraction. So, set aside some time to figure out what works best for you. You may just find that the right tune sets the perfect tempo for your mental orchestra.

Less noise, more music, better mental alertness! If you're still struggling with maintaining mental alertness despite implementing these strategies, it might be time to consider professional help. Psychologists, therapists, and life coaches can provide valuable strategies tailored to your needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT , for example, is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and change thought and behavior patterns that are harmful or ineffective, enhancing mental alertness and overall cognitive functioning.

A recent study shows that CBT can effectively reduce mental fatigue, a common barrier to sustained mental alertness. You can acquire practical skills during tailored sessions that fit your lifestyle, ensuring it's beneficial and doable.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards better mental agility. Heavy consumption of alcohol and sugary beverages can be detrimental to your mental alertness.

Excessive alcohol can cause cognitive impairments, while sugary drinks can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, both of which can result in reduced alertness and concentration. Conversely, reducing your intake of these beverages can enhance your mental clarity.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a diet low in sugary drinks improves cognitive function. Similarly, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that moderate to heavy drinkers can experience significant improvements in cognitive function within a year of abstinence.

Consider replacing these beverages with healthier alternatives like water, herbal tea, or natural fruit juices to boost your mental alertness. This proactive step towards healthier habits can be the game-changer you need for sustained mental alertness.

Every choice matters when it comes to your cognitive health. Choose wisely to unlock your full cognitive potential. One of the best ways to overcome brain fog and improve mental alertness is through supplementing with natural nootropics.

These supplements are designed to enhance cognitive function, including memory, focus, and attention. Some of the best brain performance supplements include caffeine, ginkgo biloba, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Before incorporating any supplements into your routine, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper dosage and potential interactions with other medications or conditions. Additionally, it is crucial to purchase supplements from reputable sources and to be aware of any potential side effects.

One supplement that stands out on the market for enhancing mental alertness is the TUNE IN by VYU. This supplement boasts a robust blend of essential ingredients aimed at enhancing mental alertness. Cordyceps, another medicinal mushroom, is widely promoted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in overall brain function.

Ashwagandha extract and Rhodiola rosea root extract are adaptogens that help the body handle stress, thus increasing mental stamina and focus. Alpha GPC , a natural choline compound, is thought to boost memory and cognitive function.

The inclusion of vitamin B1 can help in maintaining the health of nerve cells, which is essential for optimal brain function. TeaCrine® is a patented compound that delivers energy, mental clarity, and improved motivation and mood without the jitters of typical stimulants.

BioPerine® enhances the bioavailability of other ingredients, ensuring their optimal absorption. Lastly, stevia extract is added for a pleasant taste without adding unnecessary sugars or artificial sweeteners. Each ingredient works synergistically, making TUNE IN an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a natural boost in mental alertness.

Maintaining high mental alertness is not simply a matter of convenience but a vital aspect of managing our day-to-day lives effectively. It influences our ability to concentrate, make sound decisions, and respond adequately to the demands of our environment. Low mental alertness can often lead to reduced productivity, errors, and potential accidents.

Consequently, enhancing mental alertness is a worthy pursuit, capable of improving both professional and personal aspects of life. Following this article's advice, you can take proactive steps towards improving your mental alertness. Remember to listen to your body and give it the support it needs to function at its best.

With a little effort, you can experience improved mental alertness and enjoy the benefits of a sharp and focused mind. Mental alertness can be improved through a balanced mix of healthy lifestyle choices, like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, ample sleep, and good hydration.

Additionally, mental exercises like puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill can keep the mind active and alert.

Dietary supplements can also provide an edge, with ingredients like vitamin B1 and patented compounds such as TeaCrine® enhancing mental clarity and energy.

To enhance your mental alertness, start by creating a routine that includes physical activity, as exercise increases blood flow to the brain. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can contribute to better cognitive function. Adequate hydration and sleep are also crucial.

Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as reading, writing, or playing strategy games. Consider adding a brain-enhancing supplement to your regimen. Several factors can impact mental alertness.

Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, dehydration, and lack of physical exercise can all decrease mental alertness. Stress, anxiety, and depression can also hurt cognitive function. On the other hand, a balanced diet, regular exercise, sound sleep, and maintaining good mental health can all enhance mental alertness.

Your daily all-in-one stack of adaptogens, vitamins, and functional mushrooms. Simply mix it, sip it, and start crushing your to do lists.

Here's what we use:. Only 30 calories per serving. Each serving only has 30 mg of caffeine. That's less than half of the caffeine in a cup of coffee, which usually has between mg.

So if you're sensitive to caffeine don't worry. If you're a coffee lover it also means you don't need to skip your morning brew.

No Artificial flavours here. We only use all-natural sugars like cane sugar and stevia. We offer two thirst quenching flavors: Strawberry Lemonade or Tropical Punch.

This performance drink is free from gluten, nuts, soy, corn, dairy, and GMOs. It's also vegan, keto, and paleo friendly. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School.

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Can watching sports be bad for your health? Beyond the usual suspects for healthy resolutions. October 20, Moderate-intensity exercise can help improve your thinking and memory in just six months. Which exercise is the best for the brain?

Increasingly, the evidence suggests no. While these brain-training programs may lead to short-term improvements in whatever task or specific game you've been practicing, they don't appear to strengthen or improve overall intelligence, memory, or other cognitive abilities.

While mental exercise is important for brain health, that doesn't mean you never need to break a sweat. Physical exercise helps your brain stay sharp. It increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Exercise also enhances the effects of helpful brain chemicals and reduces stress hormones. Perhaps most importantly, exercise plays an important role in neuroplasticity by boosting growth factors and stimulating new neuronal connections.

There is a big difference between the amount of sleep you can get by on and the amount you need to function at your best. Even skimping on a few hours makes a difference! Memory, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills are all compromised. But sleep is critical to learning and memory in an even more fundamental way.

Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, with the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep. Get on a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time each morning.

Try not to break your routine, even on weekends and holidays. Avoid all screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by TVs, tablets, phones, and computers trigger wakefulness and suppress hormones such as melatonin that make you sleepy. Cut back on caffeine.

Caffeine affects people differently. Some people are highly sensitive, and even morning coffee may interfere with sleep at night. Try reducing your intake or cutting it out entirely if you suspect it's keeping you up.

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. If you're like most of us, it's probably the former. But countless studies show that a life full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits.

Humans are highly social animals. We're not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brains—in fact, interacting with others may provide the best kind of brain exercise.

Research shows that having meaningful friendships and a strong support system are vital not only to emotional health, but also to brain health. In one recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, for example, researchers found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.

There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteer , join a club, make it a point to see friends more often, or reach out over the phone. And if a human isn't handy, don't overlook the value of a pet —especially the highly-social dog.

Stress is one of the brain's worst enemies. Over time, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Studies have also linked stress to memory loss. The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues to pile up.

Studies show that meditation helps improve many different types of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Meditation also can improve focus, concentration, creativity, memory, and learning and reasoning skills. Brain images show that regular meditators have more activity in the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with feelings of joy and equanimity. Meditation also increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and encourages more connections between brain cells—all of which increases mental sharpness and memory ability.

Try one of HelpGuide's free Audio Meditations. You've heard that laughter is the best medicine , and that holds true for the brain and the memory, as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain.

Furthermore, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when we took ourselves too seriously.

When you hear laughter, move toward it. Most of the time, people are very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it.

When you hear laughter, seek it out and try to join in. Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily—both at themselves and at life's absurdities—and who routinely find the humor in everyday events.

Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious. Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car.

Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your loved ones having fun. Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.

Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. Get your omega-3s. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. If you're not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as seaweed, walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.

Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory.

Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage.

Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.

Drink wine or grape juice in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells.

How to Improve Mental Alertness – DrinkVyu

Both attention span and concentration can vary for a number of reasons. Some people just have a harder time tuning out distractions. Age and lack of sleep can affect concentration.

Most people forget things more readily as they age, and decreased concentration can accompany memory loss. Head or brain injuries, such as concussion, as well as certain mental health conditions can also affect concentration.

This can lead to stress and irritation, which tends to make focusing on what you need to do even more of a distant dream. If that sounds familiar, keep reading to learn more about research-backed methods to help improve your concentration.

A study of 4, adults suggests that spending 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, on brain training activities can improve concentration.

Brain training games can also help develop your working and short-term memory , as well as your processing and problem-solving skills. Brain training can work for kids, too. Invest in a book of word puzzles, complete a jigsaw puzzle together, or play a game of memory. Even coloring can help improve concentration in children or adults.

Older children may enjoy more detailed coloring pages, like those found in adult coloring books. The effects of brain training games may be particularly important for older adults, since memory and concentration often tend to decline with age.

Research from that looked at 2, older adults followed up on participants after 10 years. Older adults who completed 10 to 14 sessions of cognitive training saw improved cognition, memory, and processing skills. After 10 years, most study participants reported they could complete daily activities at least as well as they could at the beginning of the trial, if not better.

Try these games and puzzles to train your brain. Brain games may not be the only type of game that can help improve concentration. Newer research also suggests playing video games could help boost concentration. A study looking at 29 people found evidence to suggest an hour of gaming could help improve visual selective attention VSA.

VSA refers to your ability to concentrate on a specific task while ignoring distractions. Study authors recommend future research to continue exploring how video games can help increase brain activity and boost concentration.

A review looked at studies examining how video games could affect cognitive function. The results suggest playing video games may lead to various changes in the brain, including increased attention and focus. This review had several limitations, including the fact that the studies focused on widely varying topics, including video game addiction and possible effects of violent video games.

Studies specifically designed to explore benefits of video games could help support these findings. When does video game use become an addiction? Sleep deprivation can easily disrupt concentration, not to mention other cognitive functions, such as memory and attention.

Occasional sleep deprivation may not cause too many problems for you. Being too tired can even slow down your reflexes and affect your ability to drive or do other daily tasks. A demanding schedule, health issues, and other factors sometimes make it difficult to get enough sleep.

What are some healthy sleep habits? Increased concentration is among the many benefits of regular exercise.

Exercise benefits everyone. A study looking at fifth-graders found evidence to suggest daily physical activity could help improve both concentration and attention after just 4 weeks.

Other research looking at older adults suggests a year of moderate aerobic physical activity can help stop or even reverse memory loss that occurs with brain atrophy related to age.

Experts recommend aerobic exercise, but doing what you can is better than doing nothing at all. Depending on your personal fitness and weight goals, you may want to exercise more or less. Ask yourself:.

If you can, try getting exercise right before you really need to focus or when taking a mental break. How can exercise benefit your mental health?

If you want to boost your concentration naturally, try to get outside every day, even for a short while. You might take a short walk through a park. Sitting in your garden or backyard can also help. Any natural environment has benefits.

According to the American Psychological Association APA , spending time in nature can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Research from found evidence to suggest including plants in office spaces helped increase concentration and productivity, as well as workplace satisfaction and air quality.

Try adding a plant or two to your workspace or home for a range of positive benefits. Children benefit from natural environments, too. Research published in followed over 1, children from birth to age 7. The study hoped to determine how lifelong exposure to trees and greenery at home or in the neighborhood might affect attention in children.

The study suggests that natural environments could benefit brain development and may improve attention in children. For children with ADHD, research suggests spending time in nature can:.

What are some more natural remedies for ADHD? Meditation and mindfulness practices can offer multiple benefits. Improved concentration is only one of these. A review of 23 studies found evidence to suggest mindfulness training that emphasizes attention focus could help increase attention and focus.

Mindfulness can also improve memory and other cognitive abilities. Yoga , deep breathing, and many other activities can help you meditate.

What are some other benefits of meditation? How can taking a break from work or homework increase your concentration? This idea might seem counterintuitive, but experts say it really works. But your struggle to focus just makes you feel stressed and anxious about not completing your work in time.

Next time this happens, when you first feel your concentration drop, take a short mental break. Refresh yourself with a cool drink or nutritious snack, take a quick walk, or go outside and get some sun. Breaks can help boost these functions and more.

What are some signs of burnout? Turning on music while working or studying may help increase concentration, but this will depend on the individual.

What are some more benefits of music? The foods you eat can affect cognitive functions like concentration and memory. To boost concentration, avoid processed foods, too much sugar, and very greasy or fatty foods.

You can find more brain foods on this list. Staying hydrated can also have a positive impact on concentration. Even mild dehydration can make it harder to focus or remember information.

Eating breakfast can help by boosting your focus first thing in the morning. Oatmeal, plain yogurt with fruit, or whole-grain toast with eggs are all good breakfast choices. Which foods can help if you have depression? If you feel your concentration starting to drop, consider a cup of coffee or green tea.

A study found evidence to suggest phytochemicals naturally found in matcha, a type of green tea, not only improve cognitive function but can help promote relaxation. So matcha may be a good option if coffee makes you feel jittery or on edge.

How does caffeine affect your body? Some supplements may help promote concentration and improve brain function. However, there is not enough research to confirm that these supplements are effective or safe for everyone.

Also, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements. This means you cannot be sure of the precise ingredients or how supplements will interact with other drugs. Always check with a doctor before trying any supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or allergies.

Which supplements can help you focus better? Concentration workouts often help children who have trouble focusing. This mental workout involves fully devoting attention to an activity for a set period of time. After completing one of the activities, ask your child to write a short summary or sketch how they felt during the experience.

Young children can simply use words to describe their feelings. Talking about where they lost concentration and how they managed to refocus can help them develop these skills for use in daily tasks. Multitasking has become part of daily life.

If you're not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as seaweed, walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.

Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eat more fruit and vegetables.

Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage. Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.

Drink wine or grape juice in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in moderation around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for men , alcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts. Do you feel that your memory has taken an unexplainable dip? If so, there may be a health or lifestyle problem to blame.

It's not just dementia or Alzheimer's disease that causes memory loss. There are many diseases, mental health disorders, and medications that can interfere with memory:. Heart disease and its risk factors. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, have been linked to mild cognitive impairment.

Studies show that people with diabetes experience far greater cognitive decline than those who don't suffer from the disease. Hormone imbalance. Women going through menopause often experience memory problems when their estrogen dips.

In men, low testosterone can cause issues. Thyroid imbalances can also cause forgetfulness, sluggish thinking, or confusion.

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can get in the way of memory and clear thinking. Common culprits include cold and allergy medications, sleep aids, and antidepressants.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects. Emotional difficulties can take just as heavy a toll on the brain as physical problems. In fact, mental sluggishness, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness are common symptoms of depression.

The memory issues can be particularly bad in older people who are depressed-so much so that it is sometimes mistaken for dementia. The good news is that when the depression is treated , memory should return to normal.

Pay attention. You can't remember something if you never learned it, and you can't learn something—that is, encode it into your brain—if you don't pay enough attention to it.

It takes about eight seconds of intense focus to process a piece of information into your memory. If you're easily distracted, pick a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. Involve as many senses as possible.

Try to relate information to colors, textures, smells, and tastes. The physical act of rewriting information can help imprint it onto your brain.

Even if you're a visual learner, read out loud what you want to remember. If you can recite it rhythmically, even better. Relate information to what you already know. Connect new data to information you already remember, whether it's new material that builds on previous knowledge, or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a street where you already know someone.

For more complex material, focus on understanding basic ideas rather than memorizing isolated details. Practice explaining the ideas to someone else in your own words.

Rehearse information you've already learned. Review what you've learned the same day you learn it, and at intervals thereafter. Use mnemonic devices to make memorization easier. Nutrition tips to boost energy levels and increase resistance to illness. Tips to help you increase intimacy and enjoyment as you get older.

Tips for overcoming insomnia and other age-related sleep problems. BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide. org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges.

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How to boost brain power at any age. Copy Link Link copied! Download PDF. By Melinda Smith, M. and Lawrence Robinson. How to boost brain power at any age Tip 1: Give your brain a workout Tip 2: Don't skip the physical exercise Tip 3: Get your Zs Tip 4: Make time for friends Tip 5: Keep stress in check Tip 6: Have a laugh Tip 7: Eat a brain-boosting diet Tip 8: Identify and treat health problems Tip 9: Take practical steps to support learning and memory.

How to boost brain power at any age A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Tip 1: Give your brain a workout By the time you've reached adulthood, your brain has developed millions of neural pathways that help you process and recall information quickly, solve familiar problems, and execute habitual tasks with a minimum of mental effort.

Four key elements of a good brain-boosting activity It teaches you something new. No matter how intellectually demanding the activity, if it's something you're already good at, it's not a good brain exercise.

The activity needs to be something that's unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone. To strengthen the brain, you need to keep learning and developing new skills. It's challenging. The best brain-boosting activities demand your full and close attention.

It's not enough that you found the activity challenging at one point. It must still be something that requires mental effort. For example, learning to play a challenging new piece of music counts; playing a difficult piece you've already memorized does not.

It's a skill you can build on. Look for activities that allow you to start at an easy level and work your way up as your skills improve —always pushing the envelope so you continue to stretch your capabilities. When a previously difficult level starts to feel comfortable, that means it's time to tackle the next level of performance.

It's rewarding. Rewards support the brain's learning process. The more interested and engaged you are in the activity, the more likely you'll continue doing it and the greater the benefits you'll experience. So, choose activities that, while challenging, are still enjoyable and satisfying.

What about brain-training programs? Tip 2: Don't skip the physical exercise While mental exercise is important for brain health, that doesn't mean you never need to break a sweat. Brain-boosting exercise tips Aerobic exercise is particularly good for the brain, so choose activities that keep your blood pumping.

In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain. Does it take you a long time to clear out the sleep fog when you wake up? If so, you may find that exercising in the morning before you start your day makes a big difference.

In addition to clearing away the cobwebs, it also primes you for learning throughout the day. Physical activities that require hand-eye coordination or complex motor skills are particularly beneficial for brain building.

Exercise breaks can help you get past mental fatigue and afternoon slumps. Even a short walk or a few jumping jacks can be enough to reboot your brain. Tip 3: Get your Zs There is a big difference between the amount of sleep you can get by on and the amount you need to function at your best.

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Improving Memory - Understanding age-related memory loss. Playing Games With Memory - Games that test memory along with advice for improving recollection. The Exploratorium, San Francisco If Fish Is Brain Food, Can Fish Oil Pills Boost Brains, Too?

NPR Keep Your Brain Alive Exercise - Memory improvement exercises. Derbyshire, E. Brain Health across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review on the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements.

Nootropics BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. So has restless sleep and sleep that gets disturbed often. About Mayo Clinic. Do they have a hat on, and if so, what kind of hat? The problem? Moderate-intensity exercise can help improve your thinking and memory in just six months.

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