flex your brain

"Senior moment"
"Spacing out"
"Brain fog"
However you may refer to it, forgetfulness happens. Causes can be as simple as dehydration, fatigue, or high blood pressure. Some medications can can cause forgetfulness, as can anxiety or depression. But there is a lot that you can do to keep your synapses firing smoothly.

1. Pay attention. Sometimes the problem is that we're simply on autopilot. Practice noticing details. What have you not noticed about your coworker? What information are your senses giving you?
2. Do things differently. We are hardwired to make mental shortcuts. Life is easier when you can get the lettuce out of the refrigerator without having to stop and think about each step (open fridge door. Locate produce drawer. Pull drawer open.) Intentionally changing up your routine nudges you to notice more of the  details in everyday experiences.
3. Chill out. Stress can highjack your attention. Breathing, meditation, and yoga are great remedies that help you to be in the present moment.
4. Try new things. Eat with chopsticks. Do math in your head (like you used to). Memorize a poem. Read out loud. Take an improv workshop!

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