Sharpen Your Mind to Learn Better

 

As we grow older, learning and remembering new information can grow more difficult.  Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the knowledge game and keep you learning as you age:

• Focus on concentrating. Distractions are the bane of any attempt at learning. If you are attending a seminar or training session, sit near the instructor and maintain eye contact with him or her. Try not to fidget; simply relax into the session and let your focused attention do the job.

• Say it out loud. Read aloud the material you’re trying to learn and repeat the facts you want to retain. This way, both your eyes and your ears are delivering information to your brain.

• Tame your emotions. If you’re getting frustrated over material you are trying to learn, remind yourself that getting emotional will only hamper your ability to retain information. If you have to, step back and take a break.

Here’s What to Eat for a Healthy Snack

Your stomach is growling, but what should you eat? If you’re trying to avoid junk food and excess calories, consider these healthy snack options:

• Olives. A snack of five olives has just 45 calories.

• Hummus and carrots. Four ounces of hummus and three carrot sticks contain only 80 calories.

• Pineapples and pistachios. Mix 1/2-cup of dried pineapple slices with about 25 pistachio nuts. Fruits and nuts are a good source of antioxidants. Also try peanuts and raisins or almonds and dried apricots.

• Cottage cheese and apples. Top a sliced apple with about 1/2-cup of low-fat cottage cheese. Benefits include: calcium, protein and fiber.

• Mini-pizza. Slice a whole-wheat pita in half. Spread a little tomato sauce, then sprinkle some cheese and vegetables on top. Heat in microwave or toaster oven until cheese melts.

• Rice cakes. These can be eaten by themselves or with various low-fat toppings. Look for rice cakes made from whole-grain brown rice.

• Water. You may actually be thirsty instead of hungry. A tall glass of water is terrific for you. It revitalizes your body while assuaging hunger pangs. Plus, it’s caffeine- and calorie-free.