Reflections from my recent feature in Wow Beauty
I was recently featured in Wow Beauty discussing practical ways to support memory and improve brain health. It’s a topic that comes up often in my therapy room, especially when clients feel foggy, overwhelmed or mentally scattered. Memory isn’t just about the brain. It’s shaped by stress, lifestyle, emotions and the way your nervous system functions day-to-day.
Here are the methods I shared in the feature, expanded with some of my own therapeutic tools.
1. Slow the mind before you try to remember
Stress blocks recall. When you pause the system, memory becomes easier to access.
Try this:
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Plant your feet, breathe in for 4 and out for 6.
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Ask yourself clearly what you’re trying to recall.
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Revisit the moment using sight, sound, smell or touch cues.
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Replay the steps before and after.
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Speak the answer aloud or write it once it comes.
This works because you calm the stress response, which frees the brain to retrieve information with less “noise.”
2. Use the subconscious to strengthen recall
In the Wow Beauty feature, I explained how emotional anchors help memory stick.
You can try:
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Linking something you need to remember with a strong image or feeling
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Repeating it in a few different ways (saying it, writing it, picturing it)
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Using brief moments of calm before you try to recall anything important
Your subconscious responds to repetition, clarity and emotion. When all three work together, memory strengthens.
3. Nourish your brain through food
What you eat affects both mood and memory. Some of the best support comes from:
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Oily fish rich in omega-3
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Berries packed with antioxidants
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Leafy greens for B-vitamins
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Nuts and seeds for healthy fats
These foods help protect brain cells and support clearer thinking.
4. Build daily habits that protect memory
Small lifestyle choices matter:
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Prioritise sleep so your brain can consolidate information
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Move your body to increase oxygen flow
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Reduce chronic stress through breathwork, meditation or sound therapy
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Use tools and apps to offload mental clutter
The more calm and organised your system feels, the more reliable your memory becomes.
Why this matters
Memory issues can feel scary or frustrating, but they’re often a sign that your body and nervous system need support – not evidence that something is “wrong with you.” When you tend to stress, sleep, food, structure and calm, the brain responds quickly.
I’m grateful to Wow Beauty for featuring my work and helping bring these simple, effective practices to a wider audience.
If you want support
If you’ve been struggling with brain fog, poor focus or forgetfulness, get in touch. I can help you build clarity and calm into your daily life so your mind feels steady again. Read more about my anxiety tips here
Shelly Dar is a therapist and anxiety specialist based in Leicester. She helps people reduce overwhelm, rebuild confidence and create calmer, clearer lives through practical mind–body therapy.
If you want support with memory, focus or emotional balance, message me or book a session here: shellytherapy.com
Read my Wow Beauty feature here: Wow Beauty