Life can only be half lived without the mental processes needed to learn and remember. Contrary to what many believe, memory loss is not inevitable as they age. While Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are on the increase today, they are not totally the result of either age or heredity.
There are those who complain that their memories aren't what they used to be, yet they can recall baseball scores and hockey statistics that occurred years ago.
Developing a sharp memory does require some effort in applying the skills necessary to exercise the brain and keep it sharp and focused.
A Healthy Mental Diet
The mind, like the body, needs the right kind of fuel to operate. Today's diet of processed foods laced with chemicals will not enhance the development of a sharp memory. Living in a mental fog is a sign that the diet needs to be changed. Unfortunately, memory suffers as few people have the discipline to change their diet, quit smoking or get enough sleep. Alcohol and caffeine can interfere with the natural ability of the brain to function. A healthy mental diet can help avoid many of today's mental disorders.
Mental Focus and Concentration
Concentration is a vital key to learning anything. Children and adults can't learn unless their minds are focused on what needs to be remembered. Most people complain that they are so forgetful when, in fact, they lack the skill of paying attention. It's impossible to forget what was never stored in the mind. Paying attention is being in the present moment with awareness of where those keys and glasses get placed. A healthy mind doesn't forget easily.
A Clear and Present Mind
For the majority, the mind is filled with a jumble of random and disconnected thoughts. Worries and fears crowd out the ability to think clearly and solve problems. Many people have not trained their minds to remove distractions so necessary jobs can be handled effectively and efficiently.
Cut out the Mind Clutter
Trivial information may have some use, but filling the mind with facts and figures only distracts from the need to advance life and career. Facts and figures are better left to sportscasters and historians. In order to develop a sharp memory, the mind must be free of emotions and better able to absorb what's most important. It's necessary to remove the rubbish. Success in life comes from taking more time to remember valuable information.
Mental Exercise
Television too often a time waster that dulls the mind. The mind needs stimulation that can only come from use. Most people look to solving their problems through quick fixes that don't require a lot of thought. Those who become wealthy use the power of their minds. Mental fitness means stimulating the mind by reading a stimulating book or playing chess.
Rest Breaks for the Mind
Sleep is just as important for the mind as it is for the body. Daily worries, fears and phobias interfere with that important eight hours of slumber. While sleep is important, short rest periods are equally important. Reading, meditation or any pleasant distractions can rejuvenate memory function. Those who engage in such activity stay alert longer and have more energy than those who rush through their days.
These six skills can be developed by anyone at any age. The rewards of a sharp memory mean a longer, happier and productive life without the mental deterioration so common in today's world.
Sources:
eat-healthy-live-healthy.com: "The Importance of Sleep" (accessed Jan. 20, 2011)
how-to-do-things.com: "How to Concentrate Better" (accessed Jan. 20, 2011)
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