Live Longer Habits

If you’ve been feeling forgetful, a bit cloudy, or just not quite yourself, it might be linked to your lifestyle and some habits that aren’t great for your memory. What you do every day really can affect your brain and how well it remembers things like to-do lists, important dates, and the names of people you just met. Just like any other part of your body, your brain can suffer from things that aren’t good for it. If you keep up habits that harm your brain, it can start to work less effectively, and before long, your thoughts might feel like a confusing fog.

Always Multitasking

Many people take pride in being able to multitask, but our brains may not appreciate it as much as we think! Research shows that juggling too many tasks at once can overwhelm our minds, making it harder to remember things. When we split our attention, our brains struggle to process and store information properly, which can lead to forgetfulness. Instead, try focusing on one task at a time and give your mind the attention it needs. 

Skipping Exercise

Not exercising doesn't just affect how we look; it also hurts our memory! Regular physical activity increases blood flow to our brains, helping them work better. Being inactive can slow down our thinking and raise the risk of memory problems like dementia. Even a simple 30-minute walk or some stretching each day can enhance your brain power and keep your memory sharp. 

Too Few Mental Challenges

Think of brain games as nourishment for your mind. Without puzzles, riddles, or problem-solving activities, our brains can become lazy. Just like our muscles weaken without exercise, our memory can decline if we don’t regularly challenge our brains. Activities like Sudoku, crosswords, or trying out a new hobby can keep your mind active and improve your memory. 

Excessive Phone Use

Endlessly scrolling through social media, binge-watching videos, or depending on your phone for every little task can slow down your brain. The constant stream of information can overwhelm your mind, making it hard to focus and remember important details. Plus, staring at screens for too long can reduce your ability to think deeply and remember things. Consider setting limits on your screen time and taking breaks to give your brain some much-needed rest. 

Being Isolated

Did you know that feeling lonely can actually affect your brain size? Social interaction is important for keeping our minds healthy. Talking, sharing ideas, and spending time with friends and family can help improve your thinking skills and boost your memory. In contrast, isolating yourself can lead to mental fog, stress, and even depression—issues that harm your memory. Make an effort to connect with friends, join clubs, or engage in lively conversations to keep your mind buzzing. 

Too Much Stress

Stress can steal your memory! When we're stressed for long periods, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can harm the part of the brain responsible for memory. That’s why you might find it harder to remember things when you're under stress. Finding ways to relax—like practising meditation, doing deep breathing exercises, or enjoying a hobby—can help protect your brain from lasting damage.

Source: toi