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How to Improve Your Memory and Focus

It happens – we forget things. It’s just a matter of fact; you were never meant to remember every little detail in your life. And while there are various tools and methods out there designed to help you keep your thoughts and ideas organized, sometimes the best thing to do is re-orientate your understanding of focus and improve your overall memory. What determines a strong memory? It depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you’re a student studying for a final exam or a working professional interested in staying mentally sharp, improving your memory can have lasting effects that can help your mental performance as well as general focus. 

They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isn’t true. Our human brains have an astonishing ability to adapt and change—even into old age. In fact, with the right stimulation and minor changes to your lifestyle, your brain can form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways thus, improving your long-term memory and focus. According to Dr. Andrew Hubermen, a world-renowned neuroscientist at Stanford University, learning and memory are interlinked concepts. On a micro-scale, neuroscience shows us that both are intertwined with our daily experiences and shape how we interact with the world around us. When the human brain is faced with complex ideas, systems and questions, it can begin the process of learning, re-focusing and forming new ways of improving your overall memory. 

With the current trend of wanting to perfect the human brain’s capabilities, improving one’s memory and focus is often perceived as just the beginning. Through a series of little tricks and regimes, you can start to work out your brain and increase your focus dramatically, all without needing to undergo prescribed medication or expensive visits to the doctor. 

Take Your Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins are not just for kids. In fact, it is recommended that adults take some to keep their physical and mental health up and going. According to physicians and mental health experts, certain vitamins may help slow or prevent memory loss. While not all are necessary, some contain solutions that can boost your energy and nutrition, especially if you happen to be missing some key nutrients from your diet. These can include: 

Fish Oil: Fish oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for your overall health. Studies have shown its linkage to lowering the risk of heart disease, reducing inflammation, relieving stress and anxiety, and improving memory, especially for older people. 

Vitamin B-12: Scientists have long been researching the relationship between low levels of B12 and memory loss. In fact, a B12 deficiency can be due to factors such as being a strict vegetarian, older age or having issues related to stomach acid and other health complications. Typically, you should be able to get enough B12 naturally, as it’s in foods like fish and poultry. However, for those who don’t eat such meals, taking a B12 dietary supplement is a great way to gain the nutrients you need, as well as increase your memory.

Vitamin D: According to a 2023 research study, a lack of Vitamin D can interfere with various brain signaling pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. That said, scientists would agree that vitamin D supplements can improve memory. And while you can get Vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from eating certain foods such as fatty fish or eggs, not getting enough of the vitamin can lead to a deficiency causing issues to your body and focus overall. 

Eat Less Added Sugar 

Food and desserts always taste better with sugar. However, eating too much added sugar has been linked to many health issues and chronic diseases, including poor memory and reduced brain volume, particularly in the area of the brain that stores short-term memory. While it might be hard to take away some added sugars from your food, you can be more cognizant of what you intake including sugary beverages like soda, adding extra sugar to your coffee or eating too many sweets. Cutting back on sugar not only helps your memory but also improves your overall focus without the sugar crashes. Instead, you can try alternative sweeter treats like berries,  which are loaded with antioxidants and great for improving memory; walnuts and almonds, ​​which have excellent sources of protein and healthy fats that are linked to lowering blood pressure and improving brain power; and dark chocolate, which contains powerful antioxidant properties to enhance focus. 

Train Your Brain With Games

Exercising your cognitive skills doesn’t just mean trying to remember your week without the help of your calendar. It can actually be fun and well within your control. Playing brain games is a fun and effective way to boost your memory. Games like crossword puzzles, recall games, Tetris and word matching games, are all excellent ways to strengthen your memory and learn new focusing strategies that can help you in all aspects of your life. In some studies, people who spent 15 minutes playing brain training games improved their short-term memory, working memory, concentration, and problem-solving. And luckily for you, many brain games are free like: 

NYT Games: The New York Times Games (NYT Games) is a collection of online games published by The New York Times. Their free application can be downloaded directly to your phone and you can start to enjoy some popular brain teaser games like the Mini Crossword, Connections and more! 

Cool Math Games: Cool Math Games is an online web portal that hosts hundreds of math-related games for kids and young adults. Games consist of problem-solving and math-oriented puzzles, giving your brain a good workout. 

Everyone has moments of forgetfulness from time to time, especially when life gets busy. Try these easy starter tips and get your memory/focus to the next level. Your brain will thank you. 

Interested in learning more about ACU Online’s tips for becoming a better college student? Check out our blog site and see why you should consider becoming a fellow Wildcat. 

 
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