Resolve to Boost Your Memory in 2016
Memory care is at the heart of everything we do at Parc Provence. In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, we encourage everyone to try these brain-boosting tips to help boost your memory in 2016.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
We’ve all heard it a thousand times – whether as a recommendation to help the immune system, mood, or for “beauty sleep.” Now, evidence suggests a good night’s sleep helps the brain organize new information and strengthen connections. For help getting a better night’s sleep, try these tips from the Mayo Clinic. - Get organized.
Cut down on clutter and put things in an assigned place when not in use to avoid spending extra time and energy searching for lost items such as keys, gloves, and phones. Make to-do lists and track appointments on a calendar. It may be helpful to set up a shared electronic calendar with family members so everyone knows what to expect. - Play games.
Sudoku, crossword puzzles, word find games, riddles, and jigsaw puzzles are all fantastic, enjoyable ways to exercise your brain. Games don’t have to be organized to help your memory – working out math problems in your mind and testing your recall by trying to remember as many items as possible from a grocery list written an hour before are effective memory exercises. - Try something new.
Take a cooking class. Learn to play an instrument. Try a new hobby such as painting or knitting. Take up a new sport such as hiking, yoga, or golf. These activities stimulate your mind and body in new ways that build brain connections supporting memory. - Eat well.
What you eat can and does affect your brain function. Heart-healthy foods have been shown to be brain-healthy, too. Foods like blueberries, walnuts, and fish that are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect your brain. Read this recent article about the way diet affects cognition to learn more.
At Parc Provence, we are prepared to start the New Year and to make wonderful new memories with residents and their loved ones. Let’s resolve to make brain health a priority, because every moment matters.
