9 tiny morning habits that help boost brain power and increase memory retention

Ever feel like your brain takes forever to wake up in the morning? Struggling to remember where you put your keys or what you had for dinner last night? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Your brain needs a little warm-up, just like your body, to function at its best. The good news? A few tiny morning habits can give your brain a serious power boost, helping you think sharper, remember better, and stay mentally active throughout the day. Here are 9 morning habits that can help improve brain function and enhance memory retention.

Before you grab your coffee, reach for a glass of water. Your brain is 75% water, and dehydration can cause brain fog and slow thinking. Want to take it up a notch? Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of pink salt—both help with hydration and provide essential minerals that support brain function. Try drinking your water while standing in sunlight. Natural light in the morning helps regulate your body’s internal clock, keeping you alert and focused.

Did you know that holding a power pose can increase confidence and reduce stress? Try the superman pose—stand tall, hands on your hips, chest out, and take deep breaths for two minutes. This not only wakes up your brain but also boosts oxygen flow, helping you think more clearly. Studies show that posture influences brain activity, and power poses can increase cognitive performance.

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Want to activate new neural pathways in your brain? Use your non-dominant hand for small tasks like brushing your teeth, stirring your coffee, or unlocking your phone. It forces your brain to work harder, improving coordination and memory. It feels weird at first but becomes an exciting daily challenge!

Before you dive into your usual breakfast, grab a handful of walnuts, blueberries, or dark chocolate (yes, chocolate!). These foods are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which support memory and cognitive function. Try soaking walnuts overnight—they release beneficial compounds that improve brain health even more!

Instead of scrolling through your phone first thing in the morning, play a quick memory game. You can try:

Recalling five things you did yesterday in order

Memorising a short quote and repeating it later

Why it works: Mental exercises strengthen neural connections and improve recall speed.5 natural ways to enhance eyesight​

This might sound silly, but laughing increases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that enhances memory and motivation. Watch a funny clip, read a joke, or even fake laugh (yes, it works!). Even forcing a smile in the morning can trick your brain into feeling happier and more alert!

Step outside for a 5-10 minute walk without looking at your phone. Instead, focus on your surroundings—observe colours, sounds, and even smells. This strengthens your observational memory, helping you become more present and aware. Walking stimulates blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus and creativity.

A single minute of journaling can reorganise your thoughts and improve memory retention. Write down:

Three things you’re grateful for

A dream you had last night

One thing you want to focus on today

Sounds strange, right? But chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain and improves concentration. It enhances memory retention and reaction time.

Best part? Mint-flavoured gum is especially effective—it stimulates brain activity and keeps you fresh!

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Increasing memory power is essential for learning, productivity, and overall cognitive health. A sharp memory enhances the ability to absorb and retain information, improving academic and professional performance. It also boosts efficiency by reducing the need to relearn tasks, helps in problem-solving and decision-making, and strengthens focus.What happens to our lips when we apply lipstick (Images: Canva)

Practicing yoga can significantly boost brain health by improving focus, memory, and mental clarity. Poses like Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and Sukhasana (Easy Pose) enhance concentration and calm the mind, while Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function. Balasana (Child’s Pose) and Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose) help relieve stress and anxiety, promoting mental relaxation. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) improves brain oxygenation and enhances cognitive abilities. 10 minute morning exercise for busy people​