Effective Ways To Improve Memory And Mental Performance In 2021

There are times all of us would have got stuck in the middle of a conversation, or forgetting keys, leaving us frustrated. Everyone faces moments of forgetfulness, strangely when time flies with our bustling life. Getting forgetful is a natural phenomenon, but memory sinking should be taken care of.

Whether you are a student trying to improve your memory power, a professional aspiring to stay intellectual or a senior working to preserve mental potential, Dr Kausthub Desikachar shares his knowledge on how to improve memory and cognitive performance.

Causes Of Memory Loss

1. Genetics plays a part in memory loss.
2. Forgetfulness can be related to ageing
3. Diet and lifestyle have a notable impact on memory.
4. Certain medications can cause forgetfulness.
5. A head injury can cause memory problems.
6. Stress, anxiety, depression can cause confusion, forgetfulness or difficulty in concentrating.
7. Consuming excessive alcohol can result in impaired mental abilities.
8. Hypothyroidism leaves traces of forgetfulness.
9. Brain tumour or infection can cause dementia.
10. Bypass heart surgery can keep you in a confused state.

Symptoms of Forgetfulness related to ageing:

• Changes in temperament, behaviour
• Difficulty expressing
• Difficulty understanding
• Difficulty in calculations and predictions

In this article, Kausthub teaches seven techniques to cope with memory loss.

Train Your Brain

Like how our body muscles need exercises to stay fit, our brain muscles need some activities to keep it sharp and active. Indulging in some brain games like crosswords, sudoku, chess, creative tasks like painting, learning a new language, etc., sharpens your cognitive skills and boosts your memory.

Focus On Healthy Eating

Include plant-based foods especially, green leafy vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts and seeds rich in omega 3 fatty acids, coconut oil, olive oil, wholesome foods in your diet. Avoid sugar, processed foods, meat, fried foods, excess salty foods to keep your brain healthy.

Drink Plenty Of Water

The brain is made mostly of water and stimulates our brain cells to absorb nutrients from our body. Studies have been shown that even mild dehydration causes memory impairment.

Enjoy Nature

Researchers say that surrounding yourself with nature or greenery is beneficial for brain development. There is also a study that says spending time gardening reduces the risk of dementia.

Manage Your Stress

When your mind is stressed, your body releases stress hormones called cortisol. Stress is the brain’s gravest enemy. It is shown that cortisol significantly impairs the memory process. Set realistic expectations in life, share your feelings rather than bottling them up.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is a vital component of your overall brain health. Getting solid 7-8 hours of sleep helps the brain preserve long-term memory.

Practice Meditation & Yoga

Meditating for a few minutes every day improves your concentration, keeps your mind relaxed and focused. Dr Kausthub Desikachar says, Yoga, on the other hand, releases your stress, boosts mindfulness, and enhances the brain’s function.

Mantra Japa can also be an effective way to improve our mental functions. Consult your Yoga teacher to guide you to the appropriate mantra for you, and devise a practice that will incorporate this mantra.

Conclusion

Dr Kausthub Desikachar concludes by saying, memory can be improved by changing a few things in our lifestyle with regular practice and developing healthy habits. He also encourages you to incorporate the above techniques to improve your memory and mental performance. Consult a doctor, if you notice that you are continually having trouble performing simple daily tasks.