THOUGHT DEALING WITH A WEAK MEMORY

Aweak memory can be a frustrating problem. Sure, everyone misplaces keys or misses an appointment every now and then, but forgetting important things on a daily basis can be debilitating. Memory problems will not only affect your day-to-day routine or professional life, but they can also wreak havoc on your relationships with loved ones who may interpret your forgetfulness as selfishness and indifference.

Your short-term memory, also known as functional or working memory, can be affected by a head injury, medications, sleep deprivation, and other underlying health conditions. These conditions are often treatable — if not curable — so you might want to rule out the possibility of an undiagnosed health issue that might be causing your memory to fail. Stress and psychological factors may also interfere with your ability to process the information you receive, leading to memory lapses and confusion.

Several studies have confirmed that physical exercise can boost your short-term memory significantly. Even if you don’t have the time to commit to a rigorous exercise routine, you can always fit small bursts of aerobic activity into your schedule. Mental exercise is equally important in improving your memory. Puzzle-solving, crosswords, and other mentally stimulating activities can enhance not only your memory, but also your ability to process and retrieve information. As the saying goes, “Use it, or lose it.” activities mory, but retrieve s, “Use it, kes ore ly ke sure the day. lphone s and set eadlines,

Having a weak memory makes external organization all the more crucial for keeping up with daily tasks. Write down to-do lists and make sure to check them regularly during the day. Use a notebook, planner, or cellphone to take note of important things and set visual or audio reminders for deadlines, meetings, and doctor appointments. Color-coding and a dependable filing system can help you keep track of paperwork, mail, and bills. Try out different systems and only use the ones that work well for you.

If all else fails, you can always rely on help from family members and friends. However, it may feel uncomfortable to constantly depend on others. Coaching can help you add structure to your life and establish support systems that will compensate for your weak memory and make your daily life run smoothly. Keep in mind that while memory problems can be permanent, you don’t have to go through this alone. Enlist all the help you can get, explore your options, and you will dramatically improve the quality of your life.

Tips To Improve Your Memory

1. Pick up a crossword or Sudoku book and challenge yourself to complete at least one puzzle a day.

2. Learn a new word every day and try to use it.

3. Memorize your grocery list before heading to the store instead of taking it with you.

4. Sign up to learn a new language.

5. Try using your non-dominant hand occasionally to activate blood flow to the opposite side of your brain.