Many theories exist in terms of what may or may not Improve a person’s memory, but how can we actually break through the noise and find out what truly works? Plenty of research has been conducted into how our memories work and what we can do to improve it, and the amount of research on the subject is mind-blowing (no pun intended). I decided to sift through the noise and discover the easiest tricks to boost our brainpower.
1. Get more zzzzzzzzz’s
We all hear about the endless benefits of getting plenty of sleep such as mood improvement and stress reduction, and the effect on memory has also been tested.
A Harvard University study found that students who took part in training and followed this with a brief nap performed better than non-napping students on memory tests.
Further research has shown that sleep facilitates memory consolidation, moving the new, more vulnerable memories to more efficient storage regions within the brain to make them “stick." The correct amount of sleep is critical to brain health and essential in helping to improve memory.
2. Work it out
The University of Columbia found that regular aerobic exercise consisting of walking twice a week boosted the size of the hippocampus, the core of the brain’s learning and memory.
3. Eat chocolate
Perhaps a much more pleasing option is the idea of eating chocolate to improve one's memory.
Research conducted by the Universities of L'Aquila and Rome in Italy concluded that chocolate can improve cognitive function due to an ingredient called Flavanol. Flavanol’s are absorbed into the hippocampus to improve memory and learning. " It has been found that just a single portion of chocolate can have immediate memory-boosting effects.
4. Grapes are good too
Research conducted by the University of California found that a handful of grapes improved memory and cardiovascular health enormously when consumed twice daily over a period of six months.
Resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes, has been found to slow down age-related memory diminution and has a positive effect on the brain's hippocampus. And of course, red wine counts too.
5. Try new things
Routine can be costly when it comes to keeping memory strong, with researchers finding that new experiences help the brain to better retain and recall information later.
Tests have shown that learning a new skill such as photography enhances memory as it provides stimulation for the brain and can be mentally challenging. As people often refer to the brain as a muscle, it makes a lot of sense to “work out” our brains in this way. So, why not go ahead and learn something new? Your memory will thank you for it.
