To keep your brain fit, you should make sure to sleep enough, eat balanced meals and also work out regularly. But mental exercises are just as important.
According to researchers from Stanford University, testing your memory on a daily basis will make you 30 to 50 percent less likely to develop memory issues.
How Can You Test Your Memory?
To avoid age-related memory decline, you should keep using your brain as much as possible. After all, the more active your brain cells are, the less they’ll get damaged as you age.
Here are three methods for testing your memory on a daily basis:
Recall Past Events
Your brain stores memories in the form of neural pathways. If you don’t use a pathway for a long time, it can become inactive, and you won’t be able to use it later.
Thus, it can be a good idea to discuss past experiences with your family and friends. You can also record your memories in a journal. Some people like to refresh skills they haven’t used for a while, so it might be time to revisit an abandoned hobby.
Try Games and Puzzles
Crosswords, word puzzles and math problems are all great for improving your cognitive functions. Jigsaw puzzles can help you improve your short-term memory as well. You might also like to try playing memory games on your phone.
Learn a New Skill
The very best way to protect your brain is to keep learning.
- Learning a new language improves the connectivity in your brain.
- Hobbies such as music, cooking or sculpting can improve your brain functions, as they engage several of your senses.
- Dance classes are a great idea for many people. Learning to dance improves your spatial memory, and lifts your mood as well.
Conclusion
By testing your memory on a daily basis, you can keep yourself safe from memory loss. To keep your brain in the best possible shape, you should both hold on to old memories and develop new skills.
