Maggie Evans 
It may not be immediately apparent, but memory is a skill. The more you fine-tune and develop it, the healthier and sharper it can be. Suppose you struggle to retain important information or even remember simple things like what you did the day before. In that case, some memory improvements may be in order. The following tips may put you on the fast track to a sharper memory and improved recall.
Try Essential Oils
Essential oils in an electric essential oil diffuser may be how you start noticing small changes in your ability to recall important information. Consider stocking up on rosemary essential oil to see if anything changes for you.
Some studies have shown that rosemary may be able to boost your overall brain performance. A 2013 study looking at memory also showed that rosemary might be able to improve your ability to remember both future commitments and events from the past. Even general aromatherapy studies look promising, with some people noticing improved cognitive function with the use of essential oils.
Meditate
Many people have seen the value of meditation in recent years for a variety of reasons, such as lowered blood pressure, stress relief, and even pain reduction. However, this one daily practice may also be able to help improve your memory.
Research has shown that practicing relaxation techniques, meditation, and mindfulness on a regular basis may lead to short-term memory improvements in people from the age of 20 onward.
Sleep Well
A lack of sleep has long been associated with poor memory. We’re also more likely to make mistakes and struggle with our performance. Therefore, it stands to reason that if you get at least eight hours of sleep per night, you may be able to say goodbye to forgotten appointments and fines for returning library books late or forgetting to file your individual tax return.
Exercise
Perhaps one of the most surprising ways to improve your memory is through exercise. According to recent studies, you may notice cognitive performance improvements by exercising often. Regular exercise may even decrease your chances of developing dementia. Some research also shows that exercise may improve neuron growth and development, which ultimately leads to improved brain health.
Eat Less Sugar
Having a sweet treat from time to time is a nice way to reward yourself, but it might be in your best interests to avoid making a habit of it. Added sugar not only leads to chronic diseases and other health problems but also cognitive decline.
Research papers looking into the effects of added sugar have proven that high-sugar diets can reduce hippocampal brain volume. This part of the brain is responsible for forming short-term memories. Cutting out as much sugar as possible could be how you sharpen your focus, improve your memory, and feel healthier.
Consume an Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Consuming food high in antioxidants can lead to several benefits, such as a reduced risk of some cancers and age-related decline. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, pumpkin, spinach, and collard greens may also have some potential for preventing memory loss.
A review of studies involving over 31,000 people showed those who ate more vegetables and fruit had a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline than people who consumed less of these food types.
There are few things as frustrating as trying to recall something you were sure wouldn’t be forgotten. Cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, but you don’t have to let it run its course. Using essential oils, eating healthy, sleeping well, and other lifestyle changes may be how you slow down memory loss and keep your brain as sharp as possible for longer.
