The holiday season can be a very busy time, and often we make lists to remind ourselves of things we need to go, cards we need to write, and meals to plan. Not surprising then, that every so often we forget where we put the car keys, leave the shopping list at home and even forget the neighbours name.

There are some things we can do throughout the year to sharpen our memory and make the holiday season less stressful because of things we forget to do.

Be active

Any physical activity helps the blood flow to the entire body, including to the brain. This is known to keep the memory sharp. 

It is recommended that a healthy adult should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Brisk walking is classed as moderate exercise. Jogging, a vigorous exercise, is suggested for 75 minutes a week.

Keep mentally active

Do those crossword puzzles, read a new book, play a game, learn another language, try a new hobby. Anything that encourages mental activity will help keep the brain sharp.

Spend time with other people

Live-in care can often be very lonely and this does very little to keep the memory sharp. Find opportunities to engage with other people as often as you can.

Be organised

If your surroundings are cluttered then you are more likely to forget things. Get a diary or even a simple notebook to make notes and reminders. A small calendar is easy to carry and is helpful for reminders of things in the future. Make your lists and check off items once they are done. Leave your keys, phone, charger, notebook in the same place every time. This way you are less likely to lose them.

Limit distractions

Don’t try to take on more things than you can reasonably handle. Doing too many things at once will simply make you flustered, and some will be forgotten.

Get a good night's sleep

While this is often an issue with live-in carers, if you are not getting enough sleep, your memory will suffer. If night calls are becoming a problem, then you need to address it as soon as you can, with either your agency or family.

When should we get help?

If memory loss seems to be getting worse or if a friend is worried about your memory loss, then this may be a good time to see a doctor, to rule out any other conditions. A doctor can review any medications and suggest alternatives that do not affect memory.

Final thought

Most of the time, memory loss is because our brains are overworked, as are our bodies. With extra sleep, a good diet and some lifestyle changes you should see an improvement. Sometimes keeping  a notebook at hand is all it takes to get things done.

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