CRAFT (Can’t Remember A Fanciful Thing)
Memory and concentration
Are your thoughts as sharp as tacks? Remembering names and numbers no problem? Ideas flow swift and strong as the Mississippi? And do you breeze through your working day efficient and clear-headed? You do? How nice. Unfortunately, there are many of us for whom a clear and focused mind is a rare pleasure.
Poor memory also known as CRAFT (Can't Remember A Fanciful Thing) is a common complaint, even in people in their thirties and forties. Lapses of memory are often the result of an overcrowded and stressful life. Poor memory is due to the effect of the stress hormone, cortisol. There is only so much one little mind can deal with, which can mean less important facts, like your daughter's boyfriend's name escape you. As long as you remember to feed the dog.
Empty mind
Although it's tempting to keep thinking of all the things you have to do, it is more helpful to clear the mind of clutter for at least a few minutes every day. Regular meditators swear that meditating makes them more focused and efficient. If meditation is not your thing then yoga or tai chi might be more your style. Even a swim, jog or walk can clear the mind.
Herbs and oils
There are a number of natural remedies that can help sharpen the mind. Gingko biloba has the herbal reputation of treating cerebral insufficiency. Don't we all feel cerebrally insufficient at some time or other? Gingko helps with difficulties in concentration and memory, absentmindedness and mental fatigue. Gingko is particularly useful for the elderly.(1) Bacopa (also known as Brahmi) is also good for the mind and memory, and combines well with Ginkgo.
Aromatherapy has a lot to offer the befuddled mind. Smell goes straight to the emotional part of the brain, bypassing thought processes. If our emotions are centred then it is likely that the mind will be too. Burn some aromatherapy oils in the room where you need to focus. Shakespeare's alerted us to the fact that rosemary is for remembrance. A couple of drops of rosemary oil in an aromatherapy burner will help you concentrate when studying. You can also add a couple of drops of other mentally stimulating herbs such as lemon or clary sage. Peppermint is a lively oil if you are drooping. If you require calmness of thought then sandalwood and lavender are oils more suitable.
Diet for the mind
The brain relies on a steady flow of blood glucose. Without this steady flow of brain food symptoms may include poor concentration, fatigue, irritability, hunger or nausea and dizziness. The classic time for low blood sugar levels is 3-4pm. Jellybeans will only make things worse. The trick is to keep your blood glucose levels constant. This is done by eating a small meal every two to three hours. Breakfast is particularly important and should include some protein like an egg or baked beans.
Many people drink coffee to keep them alert. And that is exactly what it does. A cup of coffee or two increases your capacity for intellectual work, decreases drowsiness and promotes a more rapid and clear flow of thought. However, just keep it to a couple of cups a day.
Music and the mind
It is said that certain music can influence the mind to more peaceful pursuits. Studies published in Nature (scientific journal) showed first grade students who participated in special music classes saw their reading and maths skills increase dramatically. Other studies show an increase in learning by 24% and memory 26% after listening to appropriate music. Music that has a rhythm of 60-80 beats a minute is calming and relaxing. Coincidentally (or not) the resting human heart has precisely the same rhythm. Baroque music composed mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries have such a soothing beat. Composers of mind-empowering music include Pachelbel, Debussy and Bach.
May your thoughts be as sharp as tacks and your ideas flow swift and strong as the Mississippi.
One of the benefits of Ginkgo is that it improves circulation. It does in part by thinning the blood. For this reason Ginkgo should not be taken in conjunction with other blood thinning drugs such as warfarin, or larger doses of aspirin.