Have you ever lost your keys, forgot what you were saying mid-sentence or walked in a room and couldn’t remember why? I don’t know anyone who could say no to any of these questions. And surprisingly, memory starts to decline in our late teens! We exercise and take good care of bodies so we look good on the outside but we must learn to do the same for our inner mental health.

First tip: Challenge your brain. You know the expression, “Use it or lose it!” It’s true. Your mind benefits from learning new skills.

  • Learn a new language.
  • Play an instrument.
  • Do puzzles and word games.
  • Play the game Memory.
  • Try to memorize phone numbers – like in the old days.You never know when you might need one because you lost or forgot your phone.
  • Listen better; it helps you to focus.
  • Read and write regularly.
  • Work on projects that stimulate creativity.
  • Participate in sports.
  • Change up your exercise routine.
  • Learn a new dance.
  • Try Qi-Gong for mental and physical health.
  • Try any activity that will increase blood circulation and oxygen to the brain.

Second tip: Brain nutrition is very important if you want it to function properly.

  • Try these supplements. They can be helpful to improve mindfulness: Vitamins B & E, Folic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba, DHA, Omega 3’s, Coenzyme Q10, and Reservatrol. (Always discuss your supplement intake with your doctor.)
  • Aspirin can decrease arterial aging.
  • Add more of these foods to feed your brain: Tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, leafy greens, red organic apples, cranberries,blueberries, onions, avocados, purple grapes, squash, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, flax seed oil and walnuts, daily.
  • Load up on more vegetables in your diet. These create an alkaline environment in your body for better health.
  • Drink more Green Tea; Powerful antioxidants protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells.
  • Choose simple carbs to boost brain power. High fiber cereal, brown rice and beans are good choices.
  • Eliminate artificial sugars, MSG and preservatives. Avoid canned and boxed food.
  • Certain medications such as cold and allergy medicine can cause brain fog.
  • If you are eating seafood regularly and are taking certain medications do a heavy metal detox. Cilantro can help to reduce.
  • Eat dark chocolate with 70% pure cocoa.
  • Use Turmeric & Curcumin spices to your food or smoothies. Mustard contains Turmeric.

Third tip: You can improve your memory. Lack of blood flow is the main cause of forgetfulness.

  • Sleep is critical for memory and learning. So be sure you get enough zzzzzzzz’s.
  • Cognitive benefits for your mind are hanging out with friends, having a fun time and laughing.
  • Lighten up and meditate. This will increase mind sharpness.
  • Try using mnemonics by using a word in a sentence or creating a visual image to remember.
  • If you are trying to learn something new try smelling rosemary, mint or roses. When you smell it again the information learned will be easier to recall.
  • Lastly, if you lose your keys frequently, say the location out loud when you put them down. It makes it easier to relocate when lost.
  • For best results memorize this entire article. Be smart and keep your mind sharp!

* Christy Stone Trala is the owner of Lucky Girl Bath & Beauty. She is a licensed Esthetician with certifications in Food Healing, Qi Gong, Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Feng Shui. She provides services at Robin Walter Salon and Spa in Ocean Pines, Md. Classes and private consultations are also available by calling Christy at 410-251-6977 or email luckygirlchristy@comcast.net