Tips To Improve Concentration And Memory

Tips To Improve Concentration And Memory

Recall Dory in 'Finding Nemo'? Well if you don't, you might be suffering from short-term memory loss like her. You just don't plain remember. Or you believe in the myth that humans only use 10 percent of the brain, causing you to lose keys and forget numeric codes, like the ATM pin, all the time. But experts actually say that we do use all of our brain and that there is no scientific evidence to state otherwise.

Memorize. Banks suggest we commit to memory those precious numbers to allow us to withdraw cash, anytime, anywhere. The same goes for improving one's memory and concentration. All you have to do is commit to remember and involve your brain in the thought processes of learning, understanding, and recalling.

What can you do? To jog one's memory you literally have to have a healthy body. To have a healthy mind our body must be physically sound. Regular oxygen flow to the brain is crucial for its survival. Without the proper flow of oxygen, brain cells die, causing memory loss. So, the first step is to keep fit. You must exercise.

Next is to eat right. Never skip breakfast! In Minnesota, in a pilot School Breakfast Program, school children were given free breakfast, which helped dramatically increase their learning and academic performance. It is said that skipping breakfast interferes with cognition and learning, especially in nutritionally at-risk children.

Brain Foods. Eat foods rich in omega-3s, which are best suited for brain function and renewal of brain cell membranes. Eggs are good, too. They contains choline, a fat-like Vitamin B which enhances memory and reaction time. Have an apple a day. Enjoy your beans. Drink milk. Lick some peanut butter.

These are some foods that have low glycemic index, allowing for the better absorption of blood sugars to the brain, unlike the high glycemic sugars, such as those in sodas and junk foods, which can lead to sugar rush and mood swings. Avoid excessive alcohol drinking, fast food bingeing, and gigantic soda gulps. These contain chemicals that can interfere with your ability to learn, think, and remember.

Mind Games. Do some mind games like the free crossword puzzles found in newspapers. Word puzzles trigger word association and provoke you to think. Another popular puzzle is Sudoku, a number placement game that challenges your logic. Play board games and brain teasers or IQ tests to focus your mind and improve your concentration.

Organize. Keep lists of things you need to remember. Try to memorize the list and recall them. Take down notes and review them regularly. Learn something new. Teach yourself a new song and sing it back. Read a book and write a summary.

All around us there are memory and concentration aides. Post-it notes, alarm clocks, calendars, cards, and diaries are just some of the physical materials to help us remember. We just have to find the right one suitable to our needs.

If you forget more than just keys, where you parked the car, or your son's birthday, consult a doctor. You may already have progressive forgetfulness, which needs a professional diagnosis. Call for an appointment. Better yet, write that down.