Page 97 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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is common following the profound trauma of bereavement. What is less well known is that memory
loss occurs during the grieving process. In my own experience, I had poor concentration with
memory lapses for several weeks after my father's death. I lost track of what people told me at work
and in my personal life, and I was functioning below par for quite a while. It was as if my brain was
a sieve, with information not being registered properly for later recall because my mind was
preoccupied with thoughts and emotions and scenes that involved my father and the rest of my
family.

While many of these life events are unavoidable, maintaining an active social life can help prevent
both mental and physical decline. You can get away with a solo existence when you are young, but
such a lifestyle can become an albatross around your neck when you are older. Physiologically,
social isolation leads to sensory deprivation and understimulation of brain centers, which in turn
causes cognitive, including memory, impairment.

Insomnia

After reading that taking a brief nap in the middle of the day reduces stress and improves
productivity, I've tried to implement this in my own work schedule, whenever possible. I must
confess that I am unable to really nap in the required fashion, so what I do is put my legs up on a
chair, close my eyes, concentrate on breathing slowly but steadily, and basically “veg out” for a few
minutes. It definitely helps to reduce my stress level, keeps me refreshed for the rest of the day, and
probably increases my productivity. Try this and see if it works for you as well.

Action Steps for Better Sleep

Avoid alcohol late in the evening (at least four hours before bedtime).
Avoid caffeine (coffee or tea) late in the evening.
Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Maintain a regular physical exercise routine.
Bedtime rituals can help (not for babies only).
Have a glass of milk (hot or cold) at bedtime. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which
induces sleep.
If you fly across continents and get jet-lagged, several hours' exposure to sunlight (go out during
the day) helps switch the sleep-wake cycle to the new time zone.