Have you ever tried to remember something and thought you had it on the tip of your tongue just to realize that you can’t recall what it was? What about staring at a piece o paper, trying to memorize what you see to no avail? If so, then your brain may not be working to its full potential. While it might not be a pain on a daily basis, things get complicated if you’re a student. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your memory and keep your mind strong and sharp.
Switching to a healthy diet full of fiber and complex carbohydrates could be a great way to start. Then, once you feel more comfortable with implementing changes, you can try to maintain a regular exercise routine and engage your mind in crossword puzzles or learning another language as a way to give your brain a powerful boost. You might also want to take a closer look at your vitamin intake or try natural supplements, such as CBD.
The possibilities are endless, but below, you will find details on some of them – it’s up to you to decide which solution you’d like to try for yourself.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is an incredibly important factor when it comes to boosting your memory and preventing cognitive decline over time. Adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for optimum brain health, but many don’t get enough due to their busy schedules or insomnia issues.
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you should make sure you’re comfortable in your bed. Then, your bedroom should be dark and not too hot; it’s also recommended to put down any electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. If you can’t sleep due to stress and anxiety, you might want to try taking a hot bath, taking up yoga or mediation, or using CBD oil.
CBD has been shown to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness which makes it a good choice if you want to unwind after a long day but still stay alert the following day. Taking a bath with a few drops of CBD oil can also relax tense muscles and reduce aches and pains that could be keeping you awake at night. However, if you prefer to ingest your supplements, you can always explore premium quality CBD edibles such as gummies or softgels.
Eat Foods that Improve Concentration
Following the right diet brings you numerous benefits, but it’s also one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp.
For example, simple carbohydrates found in processed foods can hinder your memory. They are digested quickly and cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop abruptly. Due to these sudden changes, it becomes more difficult for you to focus.
When choosing foods, opt for complex carbohydrates that are rich in fiber, such as beans, oatmeal, 100% whole-wheat bread, quinoa, barley, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Try to make them the star of your meals. For instance, you can choose to bake some potatoes with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and eat them with green vegetables, beans, and a protein source, such as poultry or beef. Dietary choices like these can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, making it easier for you to concentrate for longer periods.
Exercise Regularly
Making sure that you get some regular exercise is another excellent way to boost brain power and improve memory. There are two main reasons why exercise helps improve memory: it stimulates the production of new brain cells and increases blood flow to the brain. As an added benefit, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can often interfere with concentration and recall.
To get the most out of your workout sessions, try doing aerobic or cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, or swimming, as they are known to stimulate new brain cell growth while helping you condition your heart, lungs, and muscles all at the same time. You can also choose to do yoga, which has been shown to improve focus, attention, and memory. It’s a perfect exercise to do in the comfort of your own home, and you can use it as a productive way to fill your break during a long study session.
Stay Social
Staying social is another great way to boost your memory and maintain cognitive function over time. Social interaction stimulates the brain, keeping it sharp and strong. In addition, it helps to reduce stress levels, which, when high, often interfere with our ability to concentrate.
That’s why you should make an effort to reach out to other people during your long study sessions. For instance, if you plan to study for the whole day before an important exam, you can do four hours of studying in the morning with short breaks in between. Then, around noon, you can go out and have a cup of coffee at your favorite cafe with a friend. Try to relax, have fun, and laugh a little. You can come back in the afternoon and continue studying with a refreshed mind and a fully loaded social battery.
Find a Way to De-Stress
It’s no secret that stress is bad for your health, but it’s important to remember that it negatively impacts your memory and brain function. If you feel stressed out when studying, you may want to look for ways to improve this situation.
For instance, whenever the amount of information you need to learn by the heart gets overwhelming, you could try meditation or engage in a relaxing hobby like knitting or playing an instrument. You could also make some time for yourself by going for a walk or reading a book for a while. There are plenty of possibilities, and as long as you find something to take your mind off the academic-related stress, you should find that your brain functions a lot better. Don’t be afraid to take breaks to let your mind rest for a while and do things you enjoy.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors that can affect your memory and brain function. However, there are also many ways to counteract and improve your memory.
You could start with some dietary changes, such as eating more complex carbohydrates and foods that are rich in fiber. Then, it might be beneficial to find ways to reduce your stress levels and get enough sleep each night. You can consider taking supplements such as CBD to sleep better and therefore improve your overall health and give your brain the boost it needs to stay sharp and ready to learn.
Remember that prolonged stress and chronic fatigue will eventually lead to burnout, benefiting no one. It’s not worth overexerting yourself!
