Memory-boosting exercises you can do every day

As we get older, it becomes increasingly more important that we look after our memory. With the help of some daily activities and small lifestyle changes, we can help to slow the rate of cognitive decline.

Keeping our brain healthy is key to warding off a range of neurological conditions, such as dementia.

So, which memory-boosting exercises can you do every day to maintain healthy cognitive functioning?

Learn something new each day

One of the most effective ways we can keep our brain healthy is to learn something new each day. You could perhaps aim to read a chapter of a book, or research a topic that’s interested you for a while.

TEDX talks have also gained popularity over recent years, featuring experts that specialise in a broad range of topics - from health and nature, to technology and thoughts about the future. You can find these on YouTube or on the website.

Engage in a new hobby

Retirement brings about many lifestyle benefits, including having more time to yourself.

Why not use this time to take up a new hobby? You’ll not only gain a sense of fulfilment, you’ll also be working to maintain a healthy brain.

In particular, activities that enhance fine-motor skills are great to adopt at this time in your life, since they help to maintain strong coordination for muscular movements. You could perhaps try taking up knitting, drawing or painting.

Try yoga and/or meditation

Both yoga and meditation offer numerous benefits to the body and mind. Whilst strengthening the connection between the two, these spiritual practices are thought to make changes within the brain itself. Over time, they can actively change the levels of hormones and neurotransmitters, which can help us to think more clearly.

Yoga is, by some, a misunderstood practice. It can be practised by absolutely anyone - you just have to be willing to adjust the practice to suit your personal needs. If your mobility levels are low, for example, you can engage in chair-based yoga that involves mild, static stretches. And the best part about it is that no matter how you practise yoga, the physiological benefits remain effective.

Cook something new

Cooking can be a great activity to stimulate cognitive activity. It’s something that stimulates all of our senses, which in turn helps to strengthen our cognitive functions.

For further cognitive benefits, try cooking something nutritious, that you can then enjoy afterwards. A key way to improve memory is to ensure that you’re indulging in healthy meals. In particular, fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel) and dark green, leafy vegetables are great for boosting our memory.

Live more mindfully

One of the best lifestyle changes you can make is to try and keep your brain as active as possible. When our brain is passive (for example whilst we’re watching TV), it starts to deteriorate. So, try spending your spare time engaging in activities that keep your brain working.

It can be all too easy to let the world pass us by as we head out for a stroll, or engage in our daily routine. Try paying more attention to everything you do; noticing your senses, how you feel.

Many of the above activities can be easily incorporated into daily life. At CHD Living, we’re always thinking about how we can improve the cognitive health of those who live with us, with the help of our activities and wellbeing co-ordinators.

To find out more about our care at CHD Living, please click here.