Ever just forget to pick your kid up from soccer practice one week or find yourself putting the milk in the pantry instead of the fridge? These things can happen to anyone, especially busy moms who are juggling a hundred different things at once. Even the best multitasking mamas may feel forgetful, like she has “mom brain.”
And it’s not just a figment of our imaginations, research finds that “mom brain” is, in fact, real. Studies have shown that pregnancy actually results in a loss of gray matter in mothers’ brains. Unfortunately, there’s no magic fix that will undo it, there are things moms can do to boost brain function and cognitive abilities.
- Get your omega-3s - These healthy fats can help improve cognitive function and both walnuts and salmon are a good source of omega-3s.
- Play a game - No, not another round of Candyland or Uno with your kiddos, we’re talking about brain games. You can find a variety of them for your phone and spending a few minutes playing those instead of scrolling can help keep you entertained and improve brain function, too.
- Exercise - Aside from all the benefits being active gives your body, it can also help move more oxygen to the brain, which is good for that cognitive performance.
- Try a nap-accino - It sounds a little strange, but researchers have found that taking a coffee nap can help improve brain function. All you do is drink a cup of coffee fairly quickly, then lay down and rest for about 20 minutes. That’s how long it takes for the caffeine to kick in and when you get up, you get an energy boost as well as a brain boost.
- Eat more brain foods - Eggs are a good source of choline, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and they contain amino acids, protein and fat to help mom keep her energy up. Citrus fruits are good for the brain thanks to the flavonoids they contain, which help protect nerve cells in the brain. But the tastiest brain-boosting food has to be chocolate! Research finds that the flavanols - a form of flavonoids found in dark chocolate and cocoa - benefit brain function.
Source: Moms.com