Our brain is like a muscle—the more we use it the right way, the stronger it gets.
But just like bad lifestyle habits can harm our bodies, certain daily habits can slowly weaken our memory and thinking skills.
Many of us do these things every day without realising the damage they cause to our brainpower.
If someone finds themselves forgetting things, struggling to concentrate, or feeling mentally exhausted, their habits could be to blame.
Here are 6 everyday habits that can hurt our memory and how to fix them.
1. Always on multi-tasking mode
Some people take pride in being a multitaskers. Well, our brains might not be as happy about it as we think! Studies show that constantly juggling multiple tasks can overload the brain, making it harder to retain information. When we divide our attention too much, our brain doesn’t get a chance to properly process and store information, leading to forgetfulness. Instead, try focusing on one task at a time and give your brain the attention it deserves.
2. No physical activity
Skipping workouts doesn’t just affect your waistline—it also impacts our memory! Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, helping it function efficiently. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can slow down cognitive processes and even increase the risk of memory-related conditions like dementia. Even a daily 30-minute walk or some stretching exercises can boost your brainpower and keep your memory sharp
3. No puzzles and riddles
Think of brain games as food for our minds. If we don’t challenge our brain with puzzles, riddles, or problem-solving activities, it gets lazy. Just like muscles weaken without exercise, your memory can decline if it’s not stimulated regularly. Playing Sudoku, solving a crossword, or even trying a new hobby can keep your brain engaged and improve memory retention
4. Staying on phone all the time
Scrolling endlessly on social media, binge-watching videos, or relying on your phone for every little thing can make your brain sluggish. The constant influx of information overloads your mind, making it difficult to focus and recall important details. Also, staring at screens for too long reduces deep thinking and weakens the brain’s ability to store information. Try setting screen time limits and taking breaks to give your brain some breathing space
5. Isolating yourself
Did you know that loneliness can shrink your brain? Social interaction is essential for cognitive health. Engaging in conversations, sharing ideas, and spending time with loved ones helps sharpen thinking skills and boost memory. On the other hand, isolating yourself can lead to mental fog, stress, and even depression—conditions that directly affect memory power. Make it a habit to connect with friends, join social groups, or engage in fun discussions to keep your brain active
6. Too much stress!
Stress is like a memory thief—it slowly erases your ability to recall information. Chronic stress releases cortisol, a hormone that damages the brain’s memory centre (hippocampus). This is why when you’re stressed, you tend to forget things more easily. Finding ways to relax—like meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in a hobby—can help protect your brain from long-term damage.
7. Exercises to maintain brain health
To make your brain smarter, engage in activities that challenge and stimulate cognitive functions. Learning new skills like a language or instrument strengthens neural connections, while solving puzzles, reading, and writing improve memory and critical thinking. Meditation and mindfulness enhance focus, while physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, supporting cognitive health. Social interactions, engaging conversations, and debates enhance reasoning skills, and trying new experiences, like changing routines or exploring different environments, promotes neuroplasticity.
