We’ve always believed routine to be a good thing, however, a daily routine is one way to lose neural connections. The repeated process embeds those specific memories, because they’re cumulative, while other information isn’t as simple to retain and recall unless you’re paying attention.
We are often tempted to multitask, because we live in a fast-paced world, unfortunately it means we never really finishing anything, or are never focused enough to retain important information.
1 – Focus
If you’re having an important conversation or meeting with someone then either paraphrase or repeat what they said, and if possible- write it down. Try a variety of different ways to improve your ability to make neural connections.
For instance, when you meet new people try repeating their name as you shake their hand.
While it’s impossible to do that with digital media, you can still repeat names and information, as well as take notes.
If you’re caught up thinking while someone is providing you with information, it’s difficult for you to focus on what is being said. It’s also vital to keep tasks within your understanding. How can you process new information and store it effectively when you don’t understand what is being said?
2 – Sleep
Sleep is vitally important. When it comes to sleep, routine is key. You should follow the same routine before bed and go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time. Even if you’re on vacation or it’s your day off, set your alarm and get up to keep your sleep cycle right.
Trauma, disease, memory issues, mental health all hit your sleep first. If you have difficulty sleeping, try a natural sleep aid, a bath before bed, or even a cup of chamomile tea. Take any steps you can to enjoy restorative sleep.
Just think about the last time you had a restless sleep and how you felt the next day. You probably had trouble focusing, and likely had memory difficulties along with that nagging fatigue. Everything seemed to take so much longer than it should have.
3 – New Ways to Think
If you don’t use it, you will lose it. Crosswords, Sudoku, and brain teasers are an excellent way to improve your cognitive ability. However, you need to change it up, because if you only ever do crosswords other brain connections will die.
We need to have a balanced life, filled with new routines, new friends, a range of conversation, and even different routes on your morning cycle or run. The connections that are used will only get stronger, but the rest will die off unless you’re mixing it up.
4 – Reduce Stress
This may be the most difficult task. We know that stress has an impact on concentration, and the ability to listen, store, and recover information. If there’s no way for you to avoid the stresses of life, learn how to breathe properly.
Controlled breathing allows you to take control back over your brain. Proper breathing isn’t going to make your boss less annoying, or unclog your toilet. What it will do, though, is provide you with a coping mechanism to reduce your stress levels.
5 – Nutrition
Your diet doesn’t just impact on your weight and health, it also affects your brain. A diet high in vitamins and minerals, especially Omega 3 fatty acids, will make all the difference.
Look at your diet, are you making wise decisions and ensuring you have a healthy balance of protein, fruits, and vegetables in your daily diet? If not, you could be negatively impacting your memory.
