It is your memory that allows you to recall information that you’ve learned or past experiences. As you age, your memory tends to decline. However, there are memory techniques and lifestyle habits that enable you to improve your cognitive performance.

Food: Eat healthy foods, rich in certain vitamins and minerals to improve your memory. Get plenty of antioxidants by consuming nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, red tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and different types of berries. These food contain vitamins C and E as well as beta carotene that enhance the flow of oxygen throughout your brain and body, which improve your cognitive functioning. Also eat walnuts, flaxseed, and different types of fish such as herring, tuna, and halibut because these food contain omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are known to improve memory.

Working Out: Exercise can help improve your memory too. Exercise increases the oxygen that gets pumped to your brain which helps you think and remember better. For example, take a short walk if you are having a difficult time studying or working. This little bit of exercise gets your blood flowing to the brain, which in return helps you retain the information. Some diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease cause memory loss. Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing these diseases.

Lifestyle Changes: Reduce the stress in your life because stress literally damages your brain and memory. When you are overwhelmed, your body release a hormone, Cortisol. This hormone damages the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory. You also want to moderate your alcohol consumption. When police officers pull over drunk drivers, they administer sobriety tests which often include counting backwards or reciting the alphabet. The reason inebriated people can’t perform these simple tasks is because excessive alcohol consumption affects your ability to recall information. Alcohol abuse destroys brain cells related to memory. Quit smoking. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of stroke which can cause memory loss.
Memory Techniques: If you notice a decline in your ability to recall information or want to enhance your memory, start performing memory techniques. You can stimulate your brain simply by changing up your daily routines. In the morning try brushing your teeth with your non-dominate hand or get dressed with your eyes closed. Learning a new skill such as a new language will also help your memory improve.