Don’t forget to drink enough water
Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
61–70 of 106 posts
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#62IMO you probably just have an average memory but you are comparing yourself to people with incredible memories.
I think of Magnus Carlsen holding 10 chess games in his head and doing it perfect enough to beat everyone he was playing against. Of course, that is extreme but there are many people who have above average memories.
I am spot on with hydration, sleep, cardio, weightlifting but I don't think any of this really makes my memory better. Mood and energy but not memory. The only thing I have found that makes my memory better is trying to memorize things like a daily exercise. Learning another language is really the way to go.
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#63Neurocognitive effects of melatonin treatment in healthy adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014976342...
I take melatonin for sleep, but this article was why I continue
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#64Stopping alcohol and stimulant use almost entirely. The way I see it, psychoactive substances induce different modalities of thinking. The fewer modalities we have, the better preserved are our memories. Unfortunately, I am an obligate coffee drinker. I find that need it to keep pace with work, so I am not running optimally under my own framework, but it's a locally bound sacrifice I make. To try to keep "modalities"…
> The fewer modalities we have, the better preserved are our memories.
That's an interesting idea. By this hypothesis, [method] actors should have abysmal memories but is that true?
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#65Exercise, specifically following powerlifting programs. It makes me tired so I can sleep without stressing over what I need to accomplish work during the next day. It also makes me crave healthier food. It's a feedback loop, and it makes me sharper mentally. If I skip 1-2 days, I immediately notice the negative effects by the end of the week: cloudy thoughts, less motivation, etc. Powerlifting also gives me goals to…
I went to my first powerlifting meet in the early 90s. The problem with powerlifting is it really beats up your body over time and as you age. Once you get past 405lbs or so for squat you are almost insuring future disc herniation. Disc herniation is a concern with aging even without constantly loading 400lbs+ on your spine. This is patently obvious but when young and indestructible hitting PRs becomes completely obs…
I am still under the delusion that you can stay healthy if you never lift beyond near-perfect form. But I say this as someone who has been working out all his life and still only has a 3.5 plate deadlift.
I also stretch religiously, run, and hang on the pullup bar to decompress.
You made a very good note about army standards - they are actually pretty good at ensuring overall health. Especially if you go to SOF with the swimming requirements (Pararescue, SEALs). If someone has anything against the military, Iron Man standards are pretty much the same thing.
As a side note, I take glucosomine for joints. Jury is still out on it, but most doctors feel like it at least doesn't hurt.
edit: Another thing to worry about here is posture. If you are lardotic and you squat or OHP, you put way more pressure on your spine than someone with ideal posture. Contrary to popular belief, I don't believe lifting fixes this. At the very least, you have to worry about form way more.
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#66Earlier quoted context omitted.
I strongly urge you to either hire a trainer to go over form or, at least, carefully watch some YouTube videos on form. Weight lifting is a wonderful form of exercise and probably the safest when done correctly. However, it's really easy to hurt yourself if you lift too much in the wrong way. My quick advice is (1) go light at first [nobody cares how much you lift] (2) go slowly and try to feel tension in the correct…
Strong agree. I started with programs like Starting Strength but I regret not working with a trainer earlier. There were so many technical mistakes I made that I never noticed myself. Worst case I would've hurt myself in the future, best case my progress would have stalled due to bad technique. There is only so much you can learn from YouTube videos because you need to know what you're looking for. Nothing wrong with…
Seconded on CrossFit! Every CrossFit gym I’ve been to has a weekly Olympic lifting class, explicitly focusing on proper form and movement.
Also - CrossFit-style pull-ups might be a little goofy, but CrossFit burpees are the way to go. :)
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#67Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can you share what programs to look into to start powerlifting?
I strongly urge you to either hire a trainer to go over form or, at least, carefully watch some YouTube videos on form. Weight lifting is a wonderful form of exercise and probably the safest when done correctly. However, it's really easy to hurt yourself if you lift too much in the wrong way. My quick advice is (1) go light at first [nobody cares how much you lift] (2) go slowly and try to feel tension in the correct…
I will third this with a caveat that MOST trainers are either incompetent or don't care. But you will literally save years of wasted time and injury if you do it right from the start. Just find the right person or cross-check with multiple. There is also a program called "5x5" which is ok for beginners. Don't forget to do pull ups and crunches too. The whole "liftings works your abs" enough thing is a myth. Maybe some cardio too.
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#68Quit drinking, eat more salad, try to stick to drinks like espresso rather than massive coffees, treat allegies so you get decent sleep rather than focus on paying someone by the hour to recite your traumas.
Weed helps too -- specifically sativas high in CBG and limonene seem to help with concentration issues that stem from anxiety or depression, paired with indicas high in Myrcene in the evening.
(CBD is kind of useless.)
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#69For me, lots of training in heart rate zone 2, preferably hiking on steep terrain. I shoot for 4 hours a week, I'd like to get 5 or 6. It may help you sleep better (and in less time) too.
Re: Ask HN: What lifestyle choices have led to improved cognitive function/memory?
#70Going on an intense hike usually helps me focus for a few days.
It feels like taking out the trash for your brain. It gives you some time where you don’t need to focus on anything.
I am sure running does the same thing for a lot of people but I live in a suburb and that is too overstimulating for me.