Brain Boost

Improve Your Memory with These Awesome Brain Boosting Tips

Has your brain been feeling fuzzy lately, like you’re not retaining information like you used to? These days, we are constantly being introduced to new information and there is always something new to learn. Not feeling like you are efficiently absorbing information can be disheartening and you might feel like you are losing your zest.

Luckily, there are tips you can use to improve your memory and strengthen your mental cognition.

"The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” –Brian Herbert

Let the learning live on!

Just like the muscles in your body, your brain needs to be warmed up to function at its best.

Before you sit down to do some reading or even studying, do a quick mental activity like counting backward or running through some basic math.

Your brain likes a schedule! Structuring your learning time into a schedule can help organize your mind while also reducing your stress and allowing you to reach your goals.

Learn in Different Ways. Your brain retains more information when multiple learning methods are used. For example, you might listen to a podcast on a subject and then study a diagram of it before talking to a friend about what you learned. In doing so, you effectively took in the same information in different forms, allowing your mind to grasp the topic.

Search for ways to apply the skills you are learning. Building practical experience into your daily life can boost and improve your learning. For example, if your goal was to improve your writing, consider starting a blog or journal. If you are trying to learn a trade, perhaps search for work experiences.

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Studies show that there are higher retention rates in people who regularly test themselves on what they are studying than those who don't. To test your knowledge, make flashcards or even a quiz. You can also look online for pre-made quizzes.

Reward yourself while learning. Research suggests that reward motivation improves memory function, as dopamine is released in the brain. To take advantage of this, give yourself incentives such as rewarding yourself with a break or coffee after a given amount of reading/studying.

We live in a digital age, use this to your advantage! There are countless programs and apps that can help train your brain, many being clinically proven to improve your memory and recall speed. Do a quick search and find some that appeal to you to start brain training!

Trick yourself into enjoying studying. Studies show that faking a smile can positively affect your emotions, apply this technique to learning to make it a positive experience. While sitting down to learn, crack a smile or laugh.

Learning and your Body

Taking care of your body also helps you to elevate your learning experiences!

Exercising for just 15 minutes a day has been proven to help improve your memory and ability to think clearly. If your struggling to concentrate, try going for a quick walk or do some cardio.

It has been said time and time again that sleep matters, and it does! Lack of sleep can negatively affect brain function and cause you to make more errors in daily tasks. Set a time where you agree to stop working and call it a night so you can get a good night's sleep.

Share what you are learning with others. Talking about your thoughts and learnings has been known to help people process and understand their thoughts. If you know others who are working on the same topic as you, organise a study group!

Meditation improves your attention span, making learning even more productive. Before you sit down for a learning session, devote a period to meditating.

Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids have been shown to help brain control learning and improve your memory functions. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, or snacks like walnuts and pumpkin seeds are perfect sources.

Drink more water! Staying hydrated boosts your brain's responsiveness and mental processing ability.