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Slide 1: Ten Expert Tips on Improving Memory – Exposed! It’s no secret that improving memory function is a goal that many of us have. From eating brain foods proven to increase concentration and memory retention to giving ourselves plenty of brain exercise with crosswords and puzzles, there’s no limit to what we’ll do to keep our minds young, alert and active. However, do you know the difference between expert-approved techniques for improving memory, brain fitness and concentration skills… …And the kind of “techniques” that leave you spinning your wheels? Luckily for you, we’ve blown the lid off some of the best-kept tips on how to improve memory. From major scientific studies on memory games to the kind of brain exercises guaranteed to work, thanks to these pearls of wisdom, your memory skills will be as sharp as it was a few decades ago. Work with Your Memorization Style. You’ve heard of visual and auditory learners – but did you know that these learning styles apply to how well we retain our memories? If you’ve always been something of a visual learner, then use memory techniques that employ the power of the eye to trigger your memories. For example, if you meet someone named Anna at a party and wish to remember her name, you could associate Anna with her apple-red cheek. Repeat it Out Loud. Are you always forgetting what you need from the supermarket, or that important business phone number? Don’t just write it down – say it out loud! Studies have shown that our brains retain more information if we involve all of our senses in the process, particularly our auditory powers. Go for a Jog. Scientists have discovered a strong link between better memory skills and exercise. Although the cause of this link hasn’t yet been established, many neurologists think that because the part of the brain responsible for muscle movement is next to the part involved in thought and emotion, fitness stimulates both due to proximity. So it’s not just your body that gets a work-out – think of it as brain exercise as well! Get Those Endorphins Pumping. Ever notice how alert you feel after laughing through a comedy show or sharing a funny moment with a friend? That’s the effect of endorphins – and when it comes to improving concentration, they’re like your body’s ultimate memory boost! Laughter, exercise and other feel-good activities release these feel-good hormones – so if you want to increase memory, make time for the fun stuff! Practice Makes Perfect. When it comes to memory exercises, nothing beats an old-fashioned crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Research has shown that memory skills can significantly increase over an eight-week period thanks to a daily puzzle habit. Experts also recommend Sudoku and crossword puzzles as the ultimate memory games for your brain. Eat Plenty of Brain Food. When you want to fuel your body with the right kinds of food, you turn to healthy low-fat options; but did you know that certain foods can also fuel your mind as well? When it
Slide 2: comes to brain food, nothing beats these superfoods – integrate them into your own daily diet, and discover how quickly your short term memory skills skyrocket:    Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts and flaxseed; Foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries (blueberries are the best), sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and green tea; Foods that are rich in B vitamins, such as spinach, broccoli, soybeans and black beans. As you can see, these brain superfoods are both nutritional and scientifically proven to give you a better memory. It’s a win-win for your health and wellness! Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Your mother was right: getting a good night’s sleep is the best thing that you can do for not just your health, but your brain function as well. Ever noticed just how much of a fog you’re in after a poor night’s sleep? That’s no coincidence: research has shown that sleep is vital to your ability to recall long term memory, increase concentration and even prevent memory loss. Whether you want to preserve your photographic memory or need your memory skills to be in top form for tomorrow’s presentation, seven to eight hours of sleep will give you the memory boost you need to succeed. Ditch the Smoking Habit. Not only is smoking dangerous for your health; it can also cause significant memory loss. Medical research has shown that smoking can increase the risk of degenerative diseases such as brain damage, Alzheimer’s and even some types of brain cancer. Additionally, smoking causes vascular disorders that restrict oxygen flow to the brain, resulting in irreversible memory loss and damage. If you want to improve memory and concentration, give up the smoking habit once and for all. Relax. Stress can do a number on your efforts to improve memory. Studies have shown that the hormone cortisol – which is produced by our bodies when we’re feeling stressed – can damage the hippocampus if exposed for too long. Since the hippocampus is responsible for preserving our long term memory skills, it’s important for our brain health to unwind after a particularly stressful day. Over-learn Any New Information. When it comes to boosting both long term and short term memory, nothing is quite as effective as “over-learning” any new information. When the brain encounters new information, that information is processed within our short term memories. If a short term memory is not reinforced (for example, by repetition), that memory is then “thrown away” by our brains. To preserve a memory, you’ll need to memorize and emphasize that new memory until it’s firmly stored away in your long term memory. Experts recommend memorizing any new information for a month to ensure that it’s properly stored within the hippocampus. Improving memory doesn’t have to feel like a chore. If you’re ready to improve your memory and concentration skills – in addition to boosting your brain power - then try out one or all of these expertapproved tips today!