HEALTH + WELLNESS
SEX … and other ways to boost your memory
Often the new year is a time to reflect , but what if your reflections are all a bit hazy ? There is a growing concern among the population that our memories are getting worse ; it transpires that poor memory isn ’ t a health problem associated predominantly with old ( er ) age after all , but that certain lifestyle factors including lack of exercise , high blood pressure and smoking , may lead to the early onset of memory problems . Here ’ s a few things we can all do a bit more of to raise our levels of recall . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
Memory Booster : SEX
The recent results of a Canadian study found that women who regularly get frisky between the sheets scored better in tests measuring their working memory . In theory then , revving up your sex drive and becoming more sexually active will in turn boost your memory . Our libidos are sensitive souls however , and can be very adversely affected by psychological issues , which can easily lead to stress – the ultimate mood killer . Any physical activity floods our brains with happy hormone , endorphin , so go for a brisk walk , follow it up with a bit of romance and witness your memory sharpen .
Memory Booster : OILY FISH
What you eat can have an enormous impact on your memory as you age , so make sure your diet is rich in Omega 3 powerhouses , tuna , mackerel and salmon . If you ’ re not a fish fan , supplements can be helpful as they ’ re high in DHA – one of the major Omega 3 fatty acids in the brain and one that seems to offer the highest protection against Alzheimer ’ s as it ’ s a barrier to the formation of plaque .
Memory Booster : SLEEP
Never underestimate eight-hour power ; sleep is essential for good memory . While we ’ re sleeping , particularly during the non-REM phase , our body reactivates neurons that were active while learning motor tasks , so helping to aid long-term storage of new memories . When sleep is disrupted this process does not occur , so if you ’ ve learnt something new and you want to improve your chances of remembering it , make sure you get some shut eye .
Memory Booster : LAUGHTER
Struggling to remember where you put your keys ; always asking for people to ring your phone ? You just need to laugh more . Research has shown that laughter helps lower levels of stress hormone , cortisol , which in turn has a beneficial effect on memory and learning . When you start taking things too seriously , remind yourself of how the situation could have escalated and try and chuckle at your misfortune rather than wallowing .
Memory Booster : USE A PEN
These days our smartphones are an extension of ourselves , but what if you tap out a shopping list and then forget your phone ? The best way to recall something is to write it out in longhand . Even if you never read back your notes , studies have shown that just the act of writing something out allows you to recall it in a way that touching a keyboard does not .
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