How to Develop Your Memory to Remember

Working professionals, students and retirees can all engage in activities to develop and improve memory. Nutrition and mental and physical exercise improves brain function and enhances memory. The old adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," is not true when it comes to teaching the human brain. The brain can form new neural pathways with the right mental stimulation. Healthy neural pathways will improve your memory.

Instructions

• 1

  Stimulate your brain every day. Young people constantly learn new things and create new neurological connections, which stimulates brain growth. The brain's ability to grow and adapt is called neuroplasticity. When we get older, we need to find new ways to stimulate the brain, or it will start to shrink and lose function -- including memory. Fill your day with brain-stimulating activities such as learning a new skill, craft or hobby, playing games, reading books, enhancing your vocabulary, working crossword or Sudoku puzzles, organizing old photos and recording your family history. Anything that requires the brain to think will stimulate it and increase memory.

• 2

  Sleep at least seven and half hours every night. A sleep-deprived brain starts to shut down and can't operate. Sleep is important to learning and memory. Memory enhancement occurs during the deep stages of sleep.

• 3

  Take a power nap every day. A power nap will revive your brain and improve your memory. A power nap lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.

• 4

  Engage in physical exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. Cardiovascular exercise such as walking, aerobics and running increases the oxygen in the brain, which improves memory. Other types of exercise that benefit the brain are yoga, tai chi, golf and dance. Exercise releases chemicals to the brain, which enables neuroplasticity.

• 5

  Debate and engage in deep and stimulating conversation. An interesting conversationalist stays informed with current events and trends, which will also help stimulate the brain and improve memory. If you don't have family and friends who enjoy stimulating conversation, join a debate club or spend time at a community center where people meet and socialize.

• 6

  Eat a well-balanced diet and take memory-boosting supplements. The brain needs fuel to keep it performing in top condition. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat foods each day that include plenty of anti-oxidant-rich vegetables and lean protein. Limit alcohol and excessive caffeine, which both slow down memory.

• 7

  Drink at least eight 8-ounce classes of water each day. The brain needs water for memory function.