5 ways to improve your working memory

Flexibility isn’t all stretches and splits—it applies to your brain, too. 

Mental flexibility refers to the brain’s ability to shift gears from one task to another, adapt to new situations, and juggle multiple thoughts at a time. And we’ve got something important to tell you: the more flexible your brain, the sharper your memory may stay over time.

Think of working memory like the brain’s notepad. It’s where new information is temporarily stored so you can use it later. And the more flexible your working memory, the more likely you’ll be able to juggle multiple tasks as they come at you.

Increasing mental flexibility to increase your working memory

Just like you can stretch or take a Pilates class to improve your physical flexibility, there are steps you can take to elevate your mental flexibility to increase your working memory. 

1. Challenge your brain with diverse tasks.

Think of diverse tasks like mental cross-training. Engage in activities like crosswords, learning a new language, or playing a musical instrument to challenge different parts of your brain and keep things limber.

2. Practice mindfulness and meditation.‍

Meditation reduces stress and has been shown to improve your mental flexibility. When you practice mindfulness, you train your brain to focus on the present and quickly adapt to changing situations, boosting cognitive flexibility and improving your working memory.

3. Get regular physical exercise.

Wait, wasn’t this post about mental fitness? Even though this tip may sound a little out of place, cardiovascular exercises, like running or swimming, increase blood flow to your brain, improving its flexibility with every pump of your arms.

4. Use technology to your advantage.

Apps like Elevate offer mental workouts that target skills to improve your working memory. Through personalized brain training that adapts to your performance, Elevate ensures that your brain continues to face novel challenges and grow stronger.

5. Maintain a healthy diet.

Your brain needs the right fuel to perform at its best. Consider adding foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to boost cognitive function. For example, blueberries, nuts, and fish have all been shown to enhance brain health.

Get started on your journey to improve your working memory

Every little bit counts when it comes to boosting your mental fitness. Start incorporating these practices into your daily routine, and watch as your brain's capacity for recall expands beyond what you thought possible.

Ready to take your mental fitness to the next level?

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Download the Elevate app on iOS or Android today and start your journey toward enhanced mental flexibility and improved working memory. With daily exercises tailored to your cognitive needs, Elevate provides the perfect platform to guide you on your quest to improve your working memory.