Always Forgetting Things?: 9 Weird and Unusual Ways to Improve Your Memory

“What did I come in here for?” “I know there was something I needed at the grocery store.” “Where did I put my phone? I just had it a second ago!”

We’ve all said these things once in a while. But for some, these occurrences happen all too often and become a huge frustration.

Forgetting things is a natural part of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to deal with it every day. There are a few weird tricks that can help.

Do you want to know what they are? Keep reading to discover the weird and unusual ways to improve your memory.

1. Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture – the ancient method of sticking needles in the skin to alleviate medical issues – may be the weirdest way to improve your memory. There are four points around the crown of your head that are believed to be connected to memory.

An acupuncturist will stimulate your mind by pricking these areas with needles. It may be nerve-wracking letting a complete stranger stick you with needles, but hey, it’s worth a shot.

2. Grab a Stick of Gum

Do you have a big test coming up? You may spend hours studying and are still forgetting things you’ve covered several times.

The good news is there is an easy fix. Just grab a stick of gum and start chomping away. It works by increasing activity in the hippocampus which is responsible for declarative memories – one of the types of memories used when studying.

3. Go to Bed Earlier

How much sleep do you get every night? If you’re like most Americans, you struggle to get those 8 hours in. You may look forward to the weekend, so you can catch up on some sleep but end up getting woken up at 8:00 a.m. by rambunctious kids ready for breakfast.

If you have a memory lapse more often than you’d like to admit, it may be because you’re not getting enough sleep. Those 8 hours every night are vital for the brain to move things from short-term to long-term memory.

4. Move Your Eyes

Are you more right brained or left brained? We take fun quizzes online and are amazed by how right they are. But, the truth is, everyone uses both parts of their brain.

If you’re forgetful, try moving your eyes from side to side the next time you need to remember something. It’s believed that this helps activate and link the two brain hemispheres together to improve memory.

The best part is that this can be done every day! Just move your eyes back and forth for about 30 seconds when you wake up, and you’ll enjoy better memory for the day!

5. Eat More Fish

It seems like diet is linked to almost everything in life, from your mood to your risk of getting diseases. So, it’s only fitting that your diet can affect your memory too.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, along with fruits and vegetables, have been shown to help prevent memory loss over time. So, grab yourself a bunch of fish (which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids) and a healthy side of fruits and vegetables for dinner.

Many forgetful seniors use this method to help them keep all those memories from their childhood. While it’s natural to forget things as you age, seniors (and their loved ones) should be aware of the warning signs of dementia. You can learn more about the signs and symptoms here.

6. Doodle

Did your teachers always yell at you for doodling in class? Well, now you can go back to that school and tell them that doodling actually helps the learning process.

Doodling gets your creative juices flowing which allows your brain to explore thoughts and ideas. Although some see doodling as a distraction, it can actually help you focus and retain what you’ve learned. You’ll be ready to blurt out those weird industrial revolution facts when test day rolls around.

7. Exercise Your Body

There are tons of health benefits to exercising regularly, such as better heart health and improved endurance. But did you know it affects the brain too?

When you exercise, blood circulation increases throughout your entire body. When it hits your brain, it can help improve your memory. That’s just one more reason to hit the gym!

If you think working out is boring, try adding some weird exercises into the mix. It’ll make your time at the gym more fun and you’ll get a great workout.

8. Exercise Your Brain

You’ve heard the old saying, “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” Well, this is true for the brain too. It’s important to exercise your brain every day to keep it strong so you stop forgetting things.

Exercising your brain can be fun too! Learn a new skill, like playing an instrument or learning a new language, do the morning crossword puzzle or play Sudoku.

9. Enjoy Some Downtime

Are you constantly on the go? From work to errands to cleaning, it seems like downtime is hard to come by. But if you keep forgetting things, a little R and R may be exactly what you need.

Just like any other muscle, your brain needs time to cool down. If it’s constantly stimulated as a million thoughts rush through your head all day, it may not be getting the break it needs. An overexerted mind just leads to forgetfulness.

So, take a day to just shut your mind off and relax. Binge watch your favorite TV show and just veg out on the couch – you (and your brain) deserve a day off.

Weird Ways to Stop Forgetting Things

If you’re constantly forgetting things, from your grocery list to your daughter’s ballet schedule, you may feel frustrated and overwhelmed. But, you don’t have to! Just follow our guide to weird and unusual ways to improve your memory to avoid that awful memory lapse.

Did you like what you read? Explore our health section for more weird health articles.

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