5 Ways to Straighten Out Your Hippocampus (Yes, That’s a Thing)
2 min read
Your hippocampus is like your brain’s personal assistant. It helps you remember where you put your keys, how to parallel park (kind of), and what day it is. But when life gets hectic—hello, stress, lack of sleep, and one too many iced coffees—your hippocampus starts acting like an overworked intern. The result? Foggy brain, forgetfulness, and a general “what is happening” vibe.
Good news: You can whip your hippocampus back into shape with a few simple hacks.
Ready to flex your mental muscles? Let’s get to it.
1. Sleep Smarter, Not Harder
Here’s the deal: Sleep isn’t just for beauty—it’s for brain power. Your hippocampus is like a librarian who files all your memories while you snooze. No sleep = no filing = mental chaos.
Pro Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of solid shut-eye. Can’t fall asleep? Try a wind-down routine: herbal tea, a boring book (you know the one), and no screens before bed.
2. Sweat for Your Brain
Exercise isn’t just about fitting into your jeans. Moving your body helps your brain produce BDNF (aka brain fertilizer), which your hippocampus loves. Think of it as squats for your memory.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to become a gym rat. A brisk walk, some yoga, or even dancing around your living room counts.
3. Feed Your Brain (Not Just Your Cravings)
Your hippocampus has expensive taste. It loves brain foods like blueberries, avocados, nuts, and salmon. On the other hand, a diet of soda and chips leaves it feeling sluggish and bloated (same, honestly).
Pro Tip: Add a handful of nuts or seeds to your snack lineup. And if you’re craving sweets, try dark chocolate. Your brain gets a boost, and your taste buds won’t complain.
4. Chill Out (Seriously)
Stress is like acid rain for your hippocampus—over time, it shrinks this crucial part of your brain. So if you’re running on stress fumes, it’s time to hit pause.
Pro Tip: Meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can do wonders for your stress levels. Or simply take five minutes to do absolutely nothing and let your brain chill.
5. Learn Something New (Your Brain Loves a Challenge)
Your hippocampus thrives on novelty. Learning a new skill—whether it’s baking sourdough, trying a new language app, or taking up calligraphy—keeps it sharp and ready for action.
Pro Tip: Pick something you’ll actually enjoy. The point isn’t to become a pro; it’s to keep your brain curious and engaged.