How to Improve Your Memory

Do you often forget where you left your keys when you were just holding them 5 minutes ago? There are many books, websites, and seminars out there targeted to help improve memory. But don't waste your money! Why? Because I'm here to reveal to you the main strategies to keeping your brain sharp.

Memory loss is mainly caused by the decreased blood flow to the brain and the loss of brain cells. Of course, it's normal to become forgetful as we grow older. But often times, we're forgetful due to lack of sleep, depression and/or anxiety.

1. Getting enough sleep each night is important. You should try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. And not only that, but try to get 8 hours of sleep without any interruptions.

2. Drink a lot of water. Being hydrated helps you concentrate better.

3. Laugh more and be more optimistic! High stress levels can damage the brain due to the increased levels of cortisol. It negatively lowers memory performance. Next time you become stressed or upset, start counting your blessings and you'll start to find yourself smiling to yourself.

4. Do some cardiovascular exercise daily. Not only will it increase blood flow to your brain but it's healthy and will keep you fit! Cardiovascular exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, and biking.

5. Strangely, turning your head upside down daily helps too! Why? Because it gets blood flowing to the brain. So obvious, and yet none of us even thinks about making it a daily routine.

6. It's imperative that we challenge our brains daily. This can be done by reading or learning new things every day. In addition, completing crossword puzzles or stimulating the brain by memorizing phone numbers helps as well. These all prevent memory loss and improve cognitive clarity. In fact, it can help with the growth of new brain pathways.

7. Gingko has had a reputation of benefiting the mental process. It is said that ginkgo boosts circulation to the brain. Two common forms that ginkgo can be found as are tea and herbal extracts, so drink up!

8. You can also use external aids to help you remember better. For instance, write on your hand, use the alarm clock on your watch or cellular phone to remind you to do something, or write on post it notes and then stick them on the fridge or anywhere conspicuous. You can also put important things, such as car keys, in obvious spots like the front door. And last but not least, make lists so that you don't forget so easily!

Follow these eight simple steps and your cognitive clarity will improve. Your memory is sure to improve in no time!