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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