brain
Whether it's tiredness, a sign of your age or just information overload, when it comes to remembering the simple things in life we can all struggle from time to time.
Here Dominic O’Brien, eight times World Memory Champion shares his simple hints and tips to help make forgetting a thing of the past:
* Remembering by letters
Use a technique known as mnemonics to help you remember things. When you have a list of things to remember it is far easier to recall acronyms than each individual item. For example, if you need to buy milk, cheese, eggs, and bread at the supermarket, focus on remembering MCEB. When you're shopping, you'll exercise your mind by recalling what you need to buy through association of the acronym MCEB.
* Write it down
If you a prone to forgetfulness try to write down important information as soon as you can. The simple act of writing on paper can help your brain store the information. If you don't have a pen and paper handy, why not make use of the reminder function on your mobile in the interim.
* Exercise your mind
Keep your brain active on a daily basis by doing mental activities throughout the day such as crossword or Sudoku puzzles to boost your memory. Why not make a habit of doing a puzzle in the morning paper either over breakfast or on your way to work to give your brain a daily workout.
* Imagine if you had a good memory
For something to be memorable it helps for it to be imaginative. By making mundane information such as a set of numbers or a shopping list more interesting it helps to fix an impression in your mind. If you want to remember to buy oranges visualize them as blazing miniature suns in the sky.
* Say it aloud
If you struggle to remember people’s names or even where you have put your keys, saying the details aloud three times can help commit the information to your memory. For example, say to yourself ‘ Her name is Sarah’ or ‘My keys are on the hook by the front door.’
* Challenge your brain
Simply by changing the way or order you carry out a common task can help keep your mind on its toes! For example, try brushing your teeth or hair with the opposite hand to normal. If you are right handed why not see if you can swap to using your left hand for the day.
* Feed your mind
Foods rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C and E are particularly beneficial to brain health and memory function. Found in richly coloured vegetables such as bananas, red peppers, spinach and oranges, antioxidants can help the body fight the effects of free radicals that can cause damage cell damage to the brain and other parts of the body. Research has also shown that oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
* The A-Z of memory
Remembering endless pin numbers is part and parcel of modern living. Try to visualize your pin number as a pattern or shape on the cash point keyboard - so 1379 becomes a Z shape.
* Don’t forget to keep fit
One of the most effective ways to improve recall and keep your memory in optimum working order is to engage in physical exercise. Exercising increases blood flow to the brain which helps oxygenate the neurons of the brain. Just a brisk 20 minute walk to the shops and back is enough to get the blood pumping.
* Herbal helping hand
Part of maintaining a good memory is to keep a healthy blood supply to the brain. Research has shown the herb Ginkgo biloba can help maintain short term memory by maintaining a healthy circulation to the extremities including the brain, which is why I take the supplement Ginkyo One-A-Day.
Extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree plant when active ingredients are at their highest level, Ginkyo-One-A Day contains 120mg of concentrated, standardised dry extract of ginkgo in every tablet.
Tagged in Health