It’s like our lack of memory starts from pregnancy—yes, I’m referring to the phrase “baby brain!” You seem to forget everything: your purse, your keys and your phone. You go from one room to another and can’t remember why you ended up in the room in the first place. You forget birthdays and appointments, feeling low about it as you sense you’re not in control. So, how can a mum improve her memory? Let’s dive into the tips for mums to improve their memory.
1. Rest
As a mum finding the time to rest seems like a distant thought. Some mums will say especially at the newborn stage, but whatever stage you’re at as a mum, to reboot, you need to rest. Like your body, your mind needs rest too. Ensure you get 7 or more hours of adequate sleep and take short breaks during the day to relax and recharge. Rest will boost your memory and increase your attention span.
2. Eat Well
Nutrition plays a crucial role in memory and cognitive function. You know we tell our children that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? It truly is. Did you know you need at least 300 calories for your brain to function? Think about all the actions your brain has to manage once you get out of bed: waking up the kids, getting them and yourself ready—it’s a lot! So, be sure to grab something to eat before you leave the house if you can’t eat breakfast with the kids.
What you eat can also make a difference. Consuming foods that improve memory can help. There are many to choose from, here are ten foods below:
- Oily fish
- Blueberries
- Walnuts
- Eggs
- Pumpkin seeds
- Rosemary
- Coffee
- Dark chocolate
- Soya
- Green tea
3. Exercise
Keep active. Physical activities increase blood flow to the brain and throughout your body, which helps improve memory and cognitive function.
4. Mental Activities
Put your mind to work by doing brain puzzles, reading, or learning something new like a language or musical instrument. Engaging in these activities stimulates your brain and enhances memory.
5. Social Interactions
Stay socially active. Interacting with others can help keep your mind sharp and improve your memory. Join a group, have regular meet-ups with friends, or participate in community activities.
6. Be Organised
Organise your tasks and schedule. Use planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of important dates and tasks. Being organised helps reduce the mental load and makes it easier to remember things.
7. Just Do It
When you remember something you need to do, just do it, as Nike says. If you can’t physically do it at the time, write the task in the notes on your phone and set a reminder to alert you at a more convenient time.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, mums can improve their memory and feel more in control. Remember, it’s all about taking small, consistent steps to support your mind and body.