Practically anyone can think of a time when their mind simply went blank, right in the middle of an intriguing thought or important sentence, often at the most inopportune time possible. With these tips and tricks to help improve your memory, you can get a head start on making sure that such an embarrassment never happens again. You should keep a list of things that you need to get at a grocery store. By keeping a list you will know exactly what it is that you need to get. This will save a you lot of time from wandering aimlessly, as well as money, once you are at the store. Once home, it will also help keep you organized since you will not have too many multiples of things you thought you needed. Support your memory by eating more fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is full of antioxidants, substances that have been shown to help prevent damage to your brain cells. Try eating richly colored fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, apricots, bell peppers and blueberries since they tend to have the highest concentrations of antioxidants. Paying attention is one of the best things you can do to improve memory. If your mind is prone to wandering, you will miss crucial details of conversation. It is important to clear your thoughts and concentrate on what is going on around you. Actively think about what you are learning to form connections in your brain. In order to improve your memory, it is important that you pay attention. Your mind will never learn how to memorize things if it is distracted by other things. For example, if you are studying or working, do so in a room with no television or other things that could attract you. It is important that you stop drinking sugary drinks, like soda, when you are trying to improve your memory. Believe it or not, sugary drinks increase your blood glucose level, which in turn, deteriorates your brain function and memory. Instead, try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you constantly have trouble remembering certain things, find ways to eliminate the problem once and for all. For instance, if you can never remember where you placed your car keys, put a peg by your front door where you can hang your keys the minute you enter your house. Make a list of the items you most frequently forget and then figure out a simple way to remember each of the items on your list. To successfully remember information, you need to give it your complete and undivided attention. For information to move out of your short-term memory and into your long-term memory, you need to be carefully attending to it. Be sure that you read and study in a quiet place without any other distractions. Feed your brain. Just like the body, the brain needs fuel. A healthy diet, including vegetables, fruits and plenty of whole grains, can help to boost your memory. In addition, try to limit saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fats can hinder concentration and memory. Drinking alcohol in moderation can also help your memory and cognitive skills. One glass of red wine a day is the ideal option. Engage your mind regularly in activities like puzzles or brain teasers to improve your memory. Not only are these activities fun, but they also improve attention and concentration while keeping your memory skills sharp. Brain games train your mind to work more efficiently and help form different thought patterns, enabling better retention of memories. To help yourself remember something jot down some notes, say them aloud and keep your notes organized. When you involve different functions of your body such as writing and talking to remember something, those physical activities will help your brain recall more effectively. In addition, the notes serve as a visual memory aid. Write important appointments or events on a calendar, and make sure that you look at the calender every day. If you are a cell phone owner, most cell phones have a daily reminder or calendar in which you can program upcoming events. You should try to socialize and have fun. Although it sounds strange, socializing with friends is a great workout for your brain. Laughing is also vital for brain health, as it uses many parts of your brain. It can also help you to think in broader terms and keep it active. Try to memorize things in sets of 7. According to studies, the human capacity for Short Term Memory, or (STM) is 7, add or minus 2. This is why humans memorize things best in groups of 7. This is also why, for example, your phone number is seven digits. For important things you have to remember on a certain day, use a pen and write the information on your hands. This is a technique that has been used for generations and it works because you know the information is on you at all times. Just make sure you do not wash your hands! Teach others what you know. Sharing what you know can really help your memory. Even if you are not an expert on the subject, explain what you do know to a friend or family member. A combination of explaining and repeating the information aloud will help you in remembering it later. Many people use visualization to remember information. Try visualizing what you wish to remember, create mind pictures, draw diagrams or charts to aid in remembering information in textbooks or during lectures at school. The mind is very effective in remembering visual details and recalling images, even images long-forgotten. Much like any new skill, improving your memory will take time and practice. Look for different ways to try out these suggestions and advice in your everyday life, whether you choose to practice them at work, home, or during a study session in school. An enhanced memory is a highly useful skill that you are sure to use over and over again. The postImprove Your Memory With This Useful Advice appeared first onHome Living Aid.