What has helped you improve your memory in recovery?

Recovery
#1

One of my biggest reasons for getting sober was noticing my memory getting actively worse.

I'm almost 8 months sober now and I think it has improved some(no more blackouts which is a clear improvement).

I've noticed a daily exercise routine has helped me the most with it but I also have bad anxiety which prevents me from being present which I believe could be contributing to my poor memory.

Just curious if anyone with longer sobriety has noticed improvement or if you have found something that has had a profound effect in helping with memory retention?

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#2

Hey kyle! You’re not the only one. I’ve been going through this too. I’ve been drinking matcha :tea: every morning. It’s definitely helped me with clarity in my mind. Also helps with brain function & memory loss. 

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#3

I'll add that to the regime, cheers Josh!

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#4

My memory is getting worse if anything and I’m 2 months sober. Thinking about drinking again to improve my memory and help with frustration about my
Memory loss

#5

Not drinking. Hahaha. Also AA meetings. Meeting so many people and remembering names.

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#6

Learn new activities, or raise the bar on an old one. And multiple unrelated hobbies as well. I’ve got bass fishing and guitar (learning music theory). As well as new nervous interest which I follow YouTube channels for

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#7

Hahaha yeah I'm curious to see if I'll notice a difference at 1 year 2 years and so on.. I'm 28 so luckily age will help with that a bit!!

#8

Yeah I like that, did you notice it start to get easier with more sober time?

#9

Yeah I felt like that in the beginning for sure.. The first few months were horrible for me stressing about memory and just super depressed in general but I'm starting to feel a lot better these days when I stick to a routine. I think it gets worse before it gets better. Good luck!

#10

Absolutely improves with sobriety and exercise.

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#11

Hi, everyone

#12

Anxiety is the worst for your memory. Work on a meditation routine if you don’t already have one. That’s made all the difference for me.

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#13

Try things like memory games or crossword puzzles. Forcing those synapses in the brain to fire strengthens the pathways for future recall.

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#14

Writing lots of notes and journaling also routine

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#15

The most beneficial thing for me is meditation. I had a difficult time in the beginning because my mind was always racing.

I heard that if you sit quietly and listen to your breathing it helps clear the mind. I can't think and listen at the same time. I had to exercise control over my mind and thoughts. I do this for a minute or two when I wake up in the morning.

Guided meditations on you tube are also helpful.

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#16

I find myself taking way more notes these days. Also using my calendar app way more often.

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#17

I had the same thing- my memory was getting wrecked. I’m a couple months shy of 2 years sober now and definitely noticed a big improvement. Especially around the one year mark, I’d say.
Love that you started this thread though- I have anxiety and it looks like adding meditation and regular exercise will be helpful too!

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#18

I totally feel this. So much better. It’s your brain healing. I also notice a lot of things remind me of being a kid. Just the simple joys of how I felt like eating ice cream and stupid things.

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#19

Thanks so much for the advice everyone! Yeah I really do think my memory has gotten a lot better, I keep surprising myself when having conversations with friends and bringing up things I didn't realize I remembered haha. The anxiety definitely still gets real bad and I know for myself when I'm anxious I start telling myself that my memory is worse than it really is. Meditation will be the next big thing to add in for sure.

We all got this :muscle:

#20

Prayer and meditation along with regular cardio cuts way down on anxiety. Healthy eating is helpful as well.