Do These Things to Boost Your Brainpower and Memory in the Blink of an Eye

Paul Kabat
Paul Kabat

As we age, it's common for our focus, memory, and overall brainpower to feel less than optimal. We may find our focus, memory recall, or capability to multitask is just not what it used to be. As scientists are finding, though, a decline in brain health may be less about age and more about our lifestyle choices.

The brain, just like any other organ in the body, is constantly regenerating cells, so the potential to restore and promote overall brainpower may be more in our capable hands than once believed. See how these specific tips may help keep your brain youthful.

Commit to a Healthy Diet
Stocksnap user Brooke Lark

Commit to a Healthy Diet

Specifically, the Mind Diet has been reported to significantly lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This diet supplies a wide array of whole ingredients and looks like very much like the Mediterranean diet, focusing on whole grains, lots of leafy vegetables, berries, omega-3-rich cold-water fish, and high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil.

Add Memory-Enhancing Supplements to Your Routine
Flickr user David Schiller

Add Memory-Enhancing Supplements to Your Routine

There are many scientifically backed supplements that are shown to support the brain in areas of focus and memory and even help to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease.

Turmeric has been used for centuries and today is widely praised for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin is one of the main acting components in turmeric that, beyond reducing inflammation, may help to reduce chronic stress.

Ginkgo biloba has long been used to boost memory, cognitive function, focus, and anxiety.

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that is commonly used to relieve fatigue. Today there is evidence to believe that rhodiola may also help with cognitive function, as well as contain certain neuro-protective properties.

Hydrate Effectively
Flickr user Cyrus Cumming

Hydrate Effectively

Our brains are 73 percent water. Even slight dehydration can decrease cognitive function and performance. As we age, the water content of our bodies tends to decrease as well.

Beverages like alcohol and caffeine may additionally contribute to dehydration, so it is essential that we restore our water levels with high-quality water in the correct amount determined by your weight, age, and activity level.

Give Your Brain a Workout
Flickr user bojanzadravec

Give Your Brain a Workout

Games, puzzles, and problem-solving are all essential in keeping our brains functioning at their peak performance. Today the answers are at our fingertips, literally. We rely heavily on handheld devices, GPS, and search engines to solve everyday problems and questions.

Try taking the solo route, sans search engines, to help to activate the cortex and hippocampus, which play a role in how we develop and recall memories.

Enhance Your Memory With Music
Flickr user Daphne Corrêa dos Reis

Enhance Your Memory With Music

Ever notice how certain types of music or a particular song are able to help you recall a specific memory or feeling? Music, as scientists are discovering, activates more than just the auditory areas of the brain; it is also tied to motor, limbic (associated with emotions), and creative areas. Listening to particularly instrumental music may positively impact memory, focus, and even physical coordination.

Get a Good Night's Sleep
Flickr user Maria Shriver

Get a Good Night's Sleep

There's nothing less productive than a tired mind and body trying to get through a long workday. But sleep also has the potential to restore, repair, and consolidate memories, making sleep about so much more than simply getting your nightly beauty rest.

Relieve Your Stress
StockSnap.io user Aral Tasher

Relieve Your Stress

Stress is a major cause for concern for memory and focus and is also at the root of a majority of chronic issues. Whether it's yoga, mediation, a good book, or a cup of tea with a friend, find what eases your stress and practice it regularly.

Stop Multitasking
StockSnap.io user Matthew Henry

Stop Multitasking

We know every day is precious and requires the need to accomplish a million and one tasks. We wear a lot of hats, but studies have shown, especially with older adults, that trying to focus on more than one task at once can negatively impact working memory. Take time to mindfully complete one thing at a time for optimal focus.