The Surprising Habit That Boosts Memory and Happiness

A surprising memory-boosting exercise, a flavor that unlocks forgotten memories, a hidden rule that shapes recall, and more! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Issue #29   I   February 27th, 2025 Photography by Denni Van Huis           Welcome back to The Mindset by Super Age. Why do some moments stay with us forever while others fade into oblivion? Our brains don’t record life like a camera—they curate, highlight, and even rewrite memories based on emotion, novelty, and meaning. This week, we explore how memory works, how to make life’s moments more meaningful, and how to harness the power of our past to enrich the present.       How Swimming Boosts Your Memory Want to upgrade your brain while staying cool? Swimming isn’t just great for your body—it’s uniquely beneficial for memory. A study in the Journal of Physiology found that swimming strengthens neural pathways by increasing levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), essential for memory and learning. Think of BDNF as Miracle-Gro for your brain. Unlike other aerobic exercises, swimming’s buoyancy reduces stress on the body while significantly increasing blood flow to the brain by as much as 10%, meaning your brain gets more oxygen and nutrients compared to other exercises of similar intensity. What does this mean for you? Increased circulation, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain support memory and cognitive function. Plus, the rhythmic breathing and water’s calming effect also reduce cortisol, the stress hormone that can impair memory retention. Consider this your reminder to dive in!     A Flavor That Unlocks Forgotten Memories Ever taken one bite of something and—boom!—you’re right back in your childhood kitchen? That’s because your sense of smell and taste are directly wired to your brain’s memory center, the hippocampus. Unlike sight or touch, smells don’t get filtered through other brain regions first—they hit the emotional and memory hubs instantly. That’s why a single whiff of cinnamon or a taste of your favorite childhood snack can unlock memories in ways no photo album ever could. Research backs this up: a study in Cognition and Emotion found that nostalgia triggered by familiar foods boosts mood, strengthens social bonds, and even gives us a sense of purpose. Cooking meals tied to your past isn’t just comforting—it’s a scientifically proven way to reconnect with who you are and where you’ve been. Try This: Cook a dish from your childhood or a family recipe, and as you prepare and eat it, take a moment to notice what memories and emotions come up. Who were you with when you first ate it? How did it make you feel then—and now? This can be an emotional practice, so be kind to yourself as you explore forgotten memories.     Help Your Brain Remember Standout Moments Ever wonder why you only remember the highlight reel of a vacation—or that one awkward moment from a dinner party 5 years ago? That’s the Peak-End Rule at work. Our brains don’t remember experiences in full—they condense them into peaks (highs and lows) and endings.  In a famous study published in Psychological Science, people who endured an uncomfortable procedure for longer—but with a slightly more pleasant ending—remembered it more favorably than those with a shorter, equally painful experience. The takeaway? Your brain judges experiences by their standout moments and conclusions, not their duration. Want to make life more memorable? Focus on designing powerful peaks and intentional endings. End your experiences with something enjoyable: finish a trip with a special moment, or create 'peak' experiences in everyday life—like adding a spontaneous dance party to your exercise routine or a mindful reflection to the end of a work call. Shape your memories with intention!     A Surprising Habit That Boosts Memory and Happiness When you fully experience a moment—really soak it in—it makes the memory stronger, clearer, and more lasting. This is the power of savoring: a simple but science-backed practice that enhances memory recall, deepens emotional connection, and increases overall well-being. The Science of Savoring The practice of savoring increases emotional resilience, making it easier to manage stressful situations, according to a study in Frontiers in Psychology. Savoring also enhances memory recall, because the more present and engaged we are in a moment, the stronger and more accessible that memory becomes, according to research in the Journal of Happiness Studies. Practical Steps For Savoring Mindfully While savoring can deepen our appreciation of life's pleasures, it's essential to approach it mindfully. Trying to create "perfect" moments or gloss over difficult ones can lead to emotional detachment, unprocessed experiences, and a distorted sense of reality. Avoiding discomfort prevents us from fully engaging with life, making even joyful moments feel hollow or fleeting. True presence means embracing both the highs and the lows, allowing our memories to be rich, textured, and deeply meaningful.  Engage Fully: When experiencing a positive event, immerse yourself completely. Notice the sensory details—the sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Reflect Without Judgment: Acknowledge your feelings and thoughts without labeling them as good or bad. This open awareness fosters a genuine connection to the moment as it is. Balance Expectations: Embrace imperfections and unpredictability. Recognize that the value of an experience lies in its uniqueness, not in its flawlessness. By fully experiencing moments as they unfold—without judgment or comparison—we create deeper, more meaningful memories. This practice not only enhances our ability to recall the past but also enriches our present, helping us live with greater clarity, connection, and joy.     Photography by WIlliam Choosing Presence Over Postponement David, here, founder of Super Age. If you only had a year left, what would you do with your time? It’s not a morbid question—it’s a call to bring what truly matters into focus now, rather than leaving it for someday. For years, I’ve told myself I’d return to Nova Scotia, a place I fell in love with at 16. But life kept moving, and that trip remains in the “someday” pile. How many things do we put off, assuming we’ll have more time? Lately, I’ve been thinking less about the big adventures and more about the small, everyday moments that shape a life. A roll of old film recently reminded me: it’s not always the far-off journeys that define us—it’s the ordinary moments spent with the people we love. Time is finite. Presence is a choice. Read my reflection on time, memory, and what truly matters on superage.com.           How Are Today’s Choices Shaping Your Future? 80% of your health is shaped by what you do every day—not just genetics. See how your choices stack up and discover simple, powerful shifts to help you thrive longer, with purpose and vitality. Take the Super Age Quiz.   TAKE THE QUIZ                 Were you forwarded this email? Sign up here We want to hear from you! How can we help you Super Age? Reply to this email and tell us what you want to read about. This issue of Super Age was written, edited, and produced by David Stewart and Heather Hurlock. Privacy & Terms | Contact | Partner With Us Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved Super Age 3419 Via Lido, Suite 657 Newport Beach, CA 92663     Unsubscribe