There are various ways or techniques that can be used to improve your memory. There are some who use mnemonics to remember facts while there are those who remember information by being attentive. Whether you use different ways to improve your memory, the important thing is you do what works for you.

Knowing a variety of techniques in improving memory is not enough, though. Food, nutrients, and lifestyle all of these can affect your memory. How to increase short term memory with these in mind? Here are some things to remember if you want to know how to increase short term memory with a change in your lifestyle.

First, is to exercise daily. Having a routine exercise daily helps improve circulation in the body including the brain which means that an adequate amount of oxygen is delivered to the brain. Oxygen is like food for our brain and it helps the brain function well. This in turn, can help minimize or prevent the memory loss that comes with aging. Also, the mind is relaxed after physical exercise which is good for the body. You can go for a brisk walk, cycling, jogging or swimming daily. Not only does it help to keep the body fit but it also helps the brain to function well.

Another way to improve your memory is to eat well and eat right. Your choices in food can affect your physical appearance and overall health as well. The brain cells also need essential nutrients and vitamins. Feed you brain with supplement to improve memory such as Thiamine, Vitamin B6 and Niacin which can be found in potatoes, okra, squash, wheat, chicken, beef and other vegetables. Have a good helping of vegetables and fruits daily because they contain a lot of vitamins good for the brain. Drinking tea, coffee and chocolate drinks in the right amount is also good for the brain as they contain caffeine which is a brain stimulant. Just remember that too much caffeine can cause too much excitation which can interrupt memory function.

Research has also shown that eating foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, kiwi, walnuts and foods containing antioxidants such as broccoli, blueberries and spinach helps to promote healthy brain functioning. Also remember to drink 8-12 glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration which can impede good function of the brain and avoid drinking too much alcohol and smoking which can deteriorate and damage your brain.

Aside from eating and exercising well, the brain also needs the body to rest. While sleeping, the brain stores new memory, hence, the amount of sleep affects the brain’s ability to recall recently learned information. Have a good uninterrupted sleep for a minimum of seven hours a night. Insomnia and interrupted sleep would impair the ability of concentration and storage of information.

It is also important for you to reduce stress. Stress which is prolonged can affect the brain and can physically damage it. It inhibits the formation of new neurons needed by the brain to function well. Although stress could not be possibly eliminated totally, you can reduce and control it. Have relaxation time for yourself by reading a book, singing, going out with friends, going for a vacation or whatever works for you.