Located only three kilometers away from Antananarivo, Mantadia National Park is one of the protected areas aside the Analamazoatra special reserve in Andasibe, on National Road 2.

The two protected areas of Andasibe are made up of primary forests sheltering many species varying from amphibians, reptiles, lemurs, and birds. Specifically, the primary dense forest of Mantadia National Park is home to a multitude of endemic species and habitat for more than 112 bird species. Mantadia is well-known as one of the perfect sites for birdwatching in Madagascar. In fact, many circuits for bird lovers and spotters are accessible in Mantadia Park, which mostly encompass birdwatching and ornithologist tours via trekking. The “Tsakoaka circuit” stands out among the most common accessible circuits in the area. In a three-hour hike guide, you can explore the avifauna of a few rare bird species such as the Aterlonis pittoides, Pitalèques, scaili, short ligd, and red bristed. While other bird species can be spotted in the park; only four of them are the most visible species: the Aterlonis pittoides, the Eutriorchis astur, the Tyto soumagnei and the Accipiter henstii.

Here are two endemic birds among the recorded 112 species found in the avifauna of Mantadia National Park: the Red-breasted Coua and the Helmet Vanga

Red-breasted Coua also named Coua serriana – belonging to the cuculifores order and the family of cuculidae – is an endemic bird only visible in the eastern and north eastern part of the Island. Although the Red-breasted Coua is not a threatened species and is present in several protected areas, it has restricted range. This large, long-tailed, multi-colored bird – bronze to green-brown upperparts with red breast and blue-black facial skin, and black under parts – is mainly seen in the undisturbed evergreen humid forest and is known for being a quiet and shy bird. However, it is very noisy during the breeding season. The common call is a melodious high-pitched whistle “treeooo” ending with a resonant “eeow”. In addition, the red-breasted coua is a terrestrial bird that rarely flies and is used to walking on the ground when feeding itself, as it feeds on insects and fallen fruits beneath the trees.

Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii), of a Passeriformes order, a family of Vangidae, is an endangered endemic species found both in eastern and northeastern rainforest of Madagascar, more precisely in the lowland of the Masoala Peninsula located in the north east of the big Island (Masoala National Park). This bird species with large arched blue beak is listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conversation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Due to forest clearance at low elevation, these unique feathered creatures currently run the risk of losing their habitat. The Helmet vanga or “Siketribe” in Malagasy, is a beautiful bird with a highly distinctive trait. Its blue-black plumage with a rufous back perfectly contrasts with its huge hooked blue bill with black tip. You are more likely to come across a “Siketribe” in evergreen humid forests of up to 400 meters of elevation. It feeds on large insects such as cockroaches, butterflies, crickets and various invertebrates and vertebrates such as snails, spiders, frogs, and chameleons.  

Both red-breasted coua and Helmet vanga are among the 112 bird species found in the protected area of the primary forest of Andasibe and in Mantadia National Park. For an optimal experience, tourists are advised to visit the park between October and December, an excellent period for birdwatching.

Sources: ONTM / Madagascar National Park/ ebird.org

2020 year has been mostly characterized by the spread and the prevalence of the deadly virus covid-19 contracting 80 million people as of 26 December 2020 and turning human lives upside down. Many sectors have been affected by the pandemic virus ranging from health, education, economy and more others as well as the human core values have been hugely disrupted leading both to social unrest and inducing a large number of mental breakdowns.

With its scope and long duration, the pandemic crisis has enormously caused havoc at many levels. More than 56 million of infected patients recovered while 1.76 million lives were lost. Besides, the pandemic has also provoked a high rate of stress, anxiety and depression associated with post-traumatic disorders. These are triggered by various factors such as the heavy toll of the virus, a family member loss, isolation due to lockdown restrictions, lay-offs, or business bankruptcies. Indeed, disparities have been found when dealing with the challenges posed by covid-19 like it has been proven by a study conducted by the international aid organization CARE. The study found that women were more likely to encounter mental health problems than men during the pandemic. The study outcome of indirect impacts of the crises revealed that among more than 10,000 men and women, 27 percent of women – compared to 10 percent of men – had reported increases in mental health issues. The report has also identified that due to the increasing number of unemployed, a lot of households worry about food, work, and health care. Women were also almost twice as likely to report that accessing quality healthcare services that they needed had been harder during the pandemic.

Promoting mental well-being

Mental health problem was so long taken for granted until it finally had to be addressed as it has turned into a serious global issue. Obviously, 2020 has been a difficult year for all people around the world but somehow behind any challenges and hardships there always lie opportunities and solutions. That is most importantly what this year taught each of us. The sanitary crisis gave rise to mental health awareness, promotion, and some prevention programmes. Mental health does not include only emotional and psychological well-being but also considers its social aspect. Being aware of the importance of one’s mental well-being is the first key step towards preventing mental health disorder and coping with stress. A few practical tips to maintain and promote one’s mental wellness especially in those times of crisis include practicing mindfulness and meditation, engaging in regular physical exercises, following a well-balanced diet, and maintaining healthier relationships. When lockdown restrictions end, go have a nature walk as well, it will help so much in handling stress. With the vaccine being rolled out in many countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, there is hope for better days. We start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Sources: Forbes / mentalhealth.gov / Covid-19 Statistics

The 59^th quadrennial presidential election that was held on November 3 is a milestone in US history. The United States has entered a brand new era of political, economic and social changes with the arrival of the new President-elect Joe Biden alongside his teammate Kamala Harris, the elected Vice President.

After getting more than 270 Electoral College votes, Former vice president Joe Biden has won the presidency over incumbent President Donald Trump leading him to become the 46^th US president. Joe Biden or Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942 in the Blue collar city of Scranton, Pennsylvania. At his age 78, he is considered as being the oldest president in US history. Although the newly-elected president was born in Pennsylvania, he spent a large majority of his early life in Delaware, area, where he attended the elite preparatory high school Archmere Academy, the University of Delaware where he graduated with a double major in history and political science and got a law degree from Syracuse University shortly after. These are two things people may ignore about Joe Biden, the first one is, he was once struggling with stutter or speech impediment but eventually overcame it. The second is, he excelled so much in sports. Prior to his race for the Presidency, he had already served for over 36 years as a senator making him Delaware’s long-serving US senator and then accepted to work side by side with Barack Obama to become the 47^th US vice president.

For the first time in American history, the vice president position is portrayed by a female profile that was quite so long expected by many Americans, particularly, Black American women. Kamala Devi Harris, born on October 20, 1964 in Oakland, is the first US female vice president with incredibly diverse race mixture ranging from African to Asian American. She is actually descended from a Jamaican-born father and an Indian mother. From her earliest age, the Harris dwelt with her mother and her sister in California, Berkeley, where she spent her entire life and dedicated it to studying law by attending Howard University and then the University of California’s Hastings College of the law. After she graduated, she was immediately offered a position at the state bar of California where she started to work as an attorney until she ended up with establishing the state’s first Bureau of Children’s Justice and emerged as state attorney general in 2010. In 2016, she won a seat in the US Senate which made her the second African-American woman and the first south Asian-American to hold such a position. Before Joe Biden chose her as his running mate, she had already planned to run for 2020 US presidential election.

They both will take office after official inauguration which is expected to take place on January 20, 2021.

Sources: The Washington post / History

In the United States of America, Christmas celebration starts right after Thanksgiving Day in late November. On the day following Thanksgiving – Black Friday – the Christmas shopping season starts as well. Indeed, department stores, shopping malls and small stores pursue Black Friday sales by offering good deals on holiday items as Christmas trees, gifts, apparels, and greeting cards.  American people embrace the true spirit of the holiday by engaging in `Christmasy` activities throughout the month of December. These include decorating the house – inside and outside, decorating the streets with colored lights, tinsel, angels, stars and other seasonal ornaments. A well decorated Christmas tree is often found as the centerpiece in public places. Christmas traditions also include sending Christmas cards, exchanging gifts, wrapping presents under the Christmas tree, singing traditional carols, and attending church services to commemorate the birth of Jesus-Christ, which is held either in the late afternoon or early evening of Christmas Eve.

There are more other traditional ways to celebrate Christmas in America. Although the traditions and customs of Christmas vary from State to State because of the multi-cultural nature and observance of the Holiday, the purpose of Christmas celebration does not change, but remains a family and community-centered celebration. Christmas is a real occasion for American people to honor family and help others through volunteering and doing good deeds.

In normal times, people gather with family and friends, to share joy, expressing gratitude and enjoying the traditional Christmas food and drinks on Christmas Eve. The Christmas Eve dinner mainly consists of roast turkey or ham, potatoes and pies, cakes, baked breads and cookies. Eggnog, the typical American traditional drink for adults made of cream, milk, sugar, beaten eggs and brandy or rum is also part of the dinner list. In addition to gathering with family around Christmas Eve dinner, some Americans get involved in charitable and volunteer work for the benefit of the neediest people.

Overall, this is how actually the festive season of Christmas is celebrated in the United States of America.  American people have many different traditions and ways to celebrate it according to their views of the Holiday. Furthermore, it is important to note that we are still living in a critical situation which does not allow families to meet. This Christmas will be a different one.

Edited by Volahanta Raharimanana

Source: ShareAmerica

The multi-talented female figure of the Civil Rights era “Maya Angelou”

Among figures of outstanding talents throughout the United States are Black people, who have learnt to stand out and put their mark on the US history. One them is Maya Angelou, the African-American woman with many-facetted career that ranged from author, playwright, poet, dancer, actress and singer to civil rights activist and politician.

Biography of Maya Angelou

The famous American poet, activist and autobiographical Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928 and died on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. Before dedicating her life to writing and the education field, she had already worked as a singer, dancer, actress, and even became Hollywood’s first female black director. As she was more acclaimed for her writing skills, she started first a carrier as a poet and then continued as an autobiographer that increasingly propelled her to be mostly noticed and highly appreciated. One of her autobiographical book that made it an immediate bestseller shortly after it was published is entitled “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and was also nominated for the National Book Award. Across her autobiography she partly depicts her early years in Long Beach, St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas when she dealt with great hardships all along her childhood such as the time when she had been raped at 7, her early pregnancy when she was just 17 and the death of her mother. Those hard trials she had to undergo had actually matured her from a shy and vulnerable girl into a self-confident and strong woman that still continues to inspire numerous worldwide lives, more particularly those of her female counterparts.

As far as her career as a civil rights activist is concerned, she became acquainted with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after she heard about Dr King’s message that led her to take part into the struggle for civil rights. As a result, she had been appointed as Southerner Christian Leadership Conference’s northern coordinator in 1960 and was then assigned to organize a march in 1968. She had also befriended Malcolm X when she was living in Ghana and helped him build the newly formed Organization of African American Unity. Unfortunately, both Dr King and Malcolm X were assassinated. Devastated again, Maya Angelou had however overcome her grief - as she always did since then - when she met James Baldwin, the one who mostly encouraged her to write it all down and to hone her writing skills. Thanks to her many achievements, Angelou had been awarded over 50 honorary degrees before her death. She was also awarded the National Medal Arts by President Bill Clinton in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama (2011), the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation (2013), and the Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 2013. Here is one of her poetry work entitled “Still I Rise” published in 1978:

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But, like dust, I’ll rise.

Sources : Thought Co / Poets.org

Is Christmas only observed as a religious holiday?

Christmas is known as an annual worldwide celebration that is observed on the 25th of December. In the United States, it is a winter holiday season starting just after the Thanksgiving Day on the4th Thursday of November.

Whether it is in America or in other countries, Christmas celebration commonly refers to the birth of Jesus Christ commemorated by Christians every December 25.That means, Christians view it as more of a religious holiday rather than a simple winter holiday season. Unlike other religiously unaffiliated group of individuals which include non-Christians and people of other faiths who see it as more of a cultural occasion. Although they have differing views of Christmas, Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate it and both rejoice into the spirit of Christmas. According to a Pew research survey, 96 percent of US Christians celebrate Christmas, so do 81 percent of non-Christians; essentially testifying American society’s wide acceptance of and involvement into the holiday. However, both religiously affiliated and unaffiliated don’t observe Christmas the same way. A 2013 Pew research survey shows 51 percent of Americans see Christmas as a religious holiday, while 32 percent say it is more of a cultural occasion; the remaining17 percent do not see it neither a religious nor a cultural holiday, few of the respondents even say they do not celebrate it. This survey actually proves that America still embraces diversity.

Although American people do not share the same views of the holiday, that doesn’t necessarily mean they celebrate it differently. In American society- regardless any religious and cultural aspects of the holiday- The winter holiday season remains an occasion for family to spend time together by always honoring the traditions and customs of Christmas and by getting into the spirit of the festivity such as decorating the Christmas tree, gathering around a bountiful dinner, and exchanging gifts. The Kwanzaa, a seven day festival, that falls exactly into the winter holiday season - between December 26 to January 1 - is a festival that celebrates African Americans’ culture and history along with Christmas celebration. This consists in using a special candle holder called a kinara and is lit each night during the seven days of celebration; and alike Christmas, kwanzaa is a family-centered celebration. Similarly, the African American tradition using candles is quite similar to that of the menorah in the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, also celebrated all along Christmas season. This is indeed an eight-day Jewish celebration, known as Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the second Temple of Jerusalem. Both Kwanzaa and Hanukkah traditions reflect the cultural diversity of Christmas celebration in America, which is not only defined as a religious holiday.

Sources: Share America / Pew Research Center

Exploring the sumptuous canyons of Isalo National Park through different circuits

Whenever you plan to travel to Tulear, on the National Road 7, think of making a little break to Ranohira to discover the various breathtaking landscapes of Isalo National Park.

Isalo National Park is one of the most visited touristic sites of the Island. Most particularly known for its deep canyons carved by erosion as well as its jurassics and stone peaks that culminate between 515 m and 1,268 m of altitude, Isalo covers 81,540 hectares of a true botanical garden that shelters both lush forests and rocky vegetation in a western setting. It is located in Ranohira, the small town of the region of Ihorombe, in the southwest of Madagascar. Ranohira, which is 243 km away from Tulear and 683 km from the capital, is actually the main gateway leading to the site. As far as its fauna and flora are concerned, the park is home to many medicinal plants and endemic species such as birds (77 types of bird, two-thirds are endemic) and lemurs (seven lemur species)

A variety of spots that offer interesting and enjoyable activities
Thanks to its tremendous landscapes and miscellaneous available circuits, Isalo National park abounds in wide-ranging activities such as bird watching, and is the perfect spot for trekking, hiking and biking (VTT). Some of the famous spots and circuits in the Isalo Parkinclude the Isalo window, the natural swimming pool, the waterfall nymphs, the rats and the makis canyon.

The Isalo window or “la fenêtre de l’Isalo” is probably the most popular spot in the National Park of Isalo. This natural rock in the form of window that allows the sun to pass through and depicts the most breathtaking sunset will undoubtedly grant any visitor with a pleasing and a memorable trip.

The natural swimming pool and the waterfall nymphs, easily accessible circuits, are located 3 kilometers away from Ranohira, and are Isalo’s most visited spots. The waterfall nymphs consist of natural pools such as the black and the blue swimming pools. The common natural swimming pool is a small oasis with a warm and crystal-clear waterfall in the heart of the canyons. These short circuits can be attempted by a small hike and an easy trek of about one to three hours.

The rats and makis canyon are outstanding clefts both located in the northeast side of the Plateau of Isalo. They include 17 km drive from Ranohira and an easy 2 km hike of about two hours and a half. The two canyons are accessible through hiking and trekking anf often combined on a hiking epedition. The walk offers hikers a panoramic view of the vast tropical vegetation of the rats canyon and the habitat for many lemur species of the canyon of makis.

These are not the only circuits seen in Isalo Park but there are more other enchanting and spectacular spots that just need to be explored.

Sources: ONTM / Madagascar National Park

How autosuggestion works and what it is capable of achieving

It does not make sense why there are millions of people who live below the poverty line, believing that they are doomed forever to poverty and failure, whilst some are very well-off and still have the faith that they can increase more their fortunes and be at the top of the ladder.
It is a well-known fact that any dominating thoughts and set of beliefs translated into words and whatever one repeats to oneself, whether the statement is true or false, constitute the motivating forces which will direct and control one’s movement and act. Some people may refer to what happens to them as “misfortune” or “bad luck” and come to strongly believe it as the truth leading them to accept it as their reality. In contrast, success conscious people think and act differently, and they might certainly use the principle of self-suggestion.

The principle of autosuggestion

Autosuggestion can be defined as an influencing of one’s own attitudes, behavior, or physical condition by mental processes other than conscious thought: self-hypnosis (Merriam-Webster). That means autosuggestion is any thoughts and ideas that one deliberately introduces in one’s mind and encourages with sympathy or other emotions. In his book “Think and Grow Rich” published in 1937, Napoleon Hill, an American journalist, lecturer and author stated that thoughts which are mixed with any of the feelings of emotions constitute a “magnetic” force which attracts other similar or related thoughts. He, in addition to stating this truth, has dedicated in his book a special chapter for autosuggestion where he argues that self-suggestion is the agency of communication between that part of mind where conscious thought takes place, and that which serves as the seat of action for the subconscious mind. On this point, He is fully convinced that people can bring change in their lives via the application of the principle of autosuggestion, that can be made through a simple arrangement of positive thought impulses stated in writing, memorized, and repeated, until they become a part of the working equipment of the subconscious mind.

French psychologist and pharmacist Emile Coué commonly known as the initiator of “the Laws of Suggestion” and the Mastermind of autosuggestion developed the coué method and published his first book entitled “Self-Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion” published in 1922. On page 14 of his book, Coué described autosuggestion as an instrument that we possess at birth, and with which we play unconsciously all our life, as a baby plays with its rattle. “It is however a dangerous instrument; it can wound or even kill you if you handle it imprudently and unconsciously. It can on the contrary save your life when you know how to employ it consciously” Coué highlighted. According to the psychologist, people can practice conscious autosuggestion unless they are willing to be taught how, just as they were taught to read, write or play the piano. Try this effective method proposed by Emile Coué to practice conscious autosuggestion:
• Every morning before getting up and every evening as soon as you are in bed, shut your eyes, and repeat twenty times in succession, moving your lips (this is so indispensable), and counting mechanically the following phrase: “Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better”. Do not think of anything particular, as the words “in every way” apply to everything. He urges to make this autosuggestion statement with confidence, with faith, with the certainty of obtaining what you want so as to obtain more rapid and positive results.

Sources: « Self Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion », Emile Coué (1922) / “Think and Grow Rich”, Napoleon Hill (1937)

Testimony: A rape victim tells her story.

1st December: A Malagasy woman, a rape survivor, agreed to share her detailed story but insisted to remain anonymous.

Could you describe the scene?

I had a blurry memory of what really happened at that time, but what I could tell you is that I was sexually mugged by three different men when I was aged between 10 and 13. The first scene occurred while I was taking a nap with my sisters. The rapist thought I was asleep when he pulled my panties down. When he was done, he wiped me with a piece of cloth. I am unsure whether there was penetration or not, but I can testify it always happened during our nap time. The second harasser was one of our neighbors who was supposed to keep us. The man took me with him outside to watch a kind of video – or I don’t remember what exactly – at 67Ha. When we were inside, he took my hand and brought it into his pants, veiled by his jacket and started to masturbate. The last one was only an acquaintance; but this time I was able to defend myself.

What was your family’s reaction when they heard that you were raped or abused?

I did not have the real occasion or maybe the courage to talk with my family, especially with my mother, as she is a bit mentally feeble. Instead, I reached out to some of my close friends, and surprisingly, most of them testified that they have also been abused at a certain point of their lives. There were at least ten of my surroundings that included my aunt. It is even more frustrating when I discovered that I was not the only rape victims. I always used to thinking I was an isolated case.
I have recently learned that my sister was sexually assaulted as well. She maintained that there was penetration, not only fondling or sexual touching. I convinced her to consult a psychologist with me and undergo a group therapy.

How have those events affected your life?

Being raped adversely affected my life and how I now see things, both personally and in terms of relationships. I have indeed become paranoid and suspicious, especially when I am with a man. People easily notice it through my attitude. Back to 2013, my boyfriend brought up the subject and asked me if I had ever been raped or abused in the past. I remained in denial until I admitted it in 2015, and then realized that from that time on, I had to do something to make a change.
Regarding my relationship life, I cannot stay with a man for more than four days. My fear of staying long with someone creates a problem in my couple after a while; which I suppose is completely normal. I cannot even satisfy my partner’s needs nor can I make a normal commitment. In addition, I tend to seek more security from a man to feel protected than love and affection, which may also explain that I always date someone for the wrong reasons. The worst consequence of being raped is my fear of having a daughter someday. I would prefer to have boys.

You explained that your perception of things radically changed. How do you now see men?

I always keep saying that goodness and cruelty can co-exist. We, women, have to be wary of men since we live in a world where people no longer set limits. About 90 percent of sexual predators do not even realize what they do is malevolent and that they are capable of the worst.
I think Malagasy parents are not aware of the dangers of sexual predators. As in the case of my very conservative mother who educated us the way she was so, far from realizing that by limiting us to the outside world she unknowingly invited predators into the house.

What is your standpoint when you hear people blaming rape victims, arguing that men rape because of women’s inappropriate behavior or provocative clothes?

The way women are dressed has nothing to do with being raped or sexually perpetrated. Note that there are kids and nuns who get raped. Unfortunately, we live in a patriarchal society which constantly blames women. Today, we have to accept that rape is not women’s fault at all. Do not blame their attire.
I am enormously saddened by the way victims are repeatedly discounted and lynched. Seeing people’s comments on social media and how they denigrate victims give me rabies. We give the podium to minorities who do not know anything at all. Therefore, by seeing what people say, victims can no longer defend themselves.

As a victim, what measures would you aspire to propose or incite the government and society to adopt so as to stop this scourge?

The question is very relevant. First I do not like the use of the word “victim”. We need to find another way of calling it, a word with less pejorative connotations. I think the victims are just part of the iceberg – the tip of the iceberg – but the darkest part belongs to the rapists. Up until today, people focus more on the victims, rather than on the predators’ case.
To me, it is way more interesting to understand the reasons why rapists do what they do. Let us grasp the process of rape from its start to its end, with focus on the profile of rapists. We never know if ever they had also formerly been assaulted. I think it is very interesting to draw on that.
It is also necessary to talk about the issue whether it is at home or at school. The taboo must be broken because keeping it hidden or secret is unwholesome.

What encouraging and inspiring message would you convey to all young girls and women who have already suffered sexual violence, and those who have not?

Girls, I invite you to speak. Speak for yourselves, for others, because somehow we are all concerned. As I said earlier, there are at least ten people who suffered sexual violence in my surroundings, and statistically speaking, that is quite too much. So, talk, speak out. It could be you, your daughter, your mother, your aunt or someone around you. I know it is not easy to break the silence, especially when it comes to dealing with topics that have been so long seen as taboo in Madagascar. However, we have to stick together and empower ourselves to make a difference and for our words to really have a great impact on our society.

Tips: Simple brain-boosting good habits to improve memorization

Whether you are a student seeking to sharp your mind and to improve your academic performance; or an employee looking for tips to boost your memory power and remain productive at work; or a retiree simply wanting to preserve your memorization abilities, know that anyone at any age can stay mentally sharp and have a long-lasting memory.

A strong memory essentially depends on how you hone your brain. The health and vitality of your brain matter more than you may think in the process of recall. If you are accustomed to train your brain, you have no need to worry about memory altering or loss. In fact, simple daily practices on your brain can radically change the way you recall or remind things. In addition, our brain has the ability to adapt and change, and similarly, is able to respond to any situation –even at old age. Scientists call such abilities “neuroplasticity” or the capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction.

Human brain is able to adapt face to any existing situation as well as to grow in response to experience. This obviously implies that we have the ability to change the flow of things–strong memory, mental power and performance –merely through some brain-boosting tips and exercises. Here are some that appear to help everyone from students to old age people:

Give your brain a workout; Train your brain by breaking first routine and getting out of your comfort zone. Your brain needs stimulation so that it keeps growing and operating more effectively. It can be developed through daily learning techniques, or the acquisition of new skills such as taking up a new language, or learning to play an instrument. These may seem challenging at first, but you will see they are both pleasing and rewarding over time.

In order to positively impact and boost your memory, sometimes the only thing your brain needs is a break. Recharge your mental batteries by enjoying a hobby, hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors and going for a nature walk, meditating or simply planning to do nothing throughout the day. These are simple but surprisingly effective tips, especially when it comes down to increasing the capacity to learn and remember.

According to scientists, physical exercise plays a key role in neuroplasticity by stimulating new neuronal connections. Alike engaging in mental exercise, performing physical exercise is as much importantly as helpful and beneficial. It increases oxygen to your brain and helps sharp it by decreasing the risk of mental disorders that, most of the time, lead to dementia and memory loss. You can, for instance, perform aerobic exercises, or simply stretch your body.

Other excellent brain-booster tips to consolidate your memory and for health benefits consist in getting enough sleep and choosing to follow healthier diet. Establish a regular sleeping schedule. Go to bed and wake up at regular hours, and make sure you respect the sufficient amount of sleep. Try to avoid screens before bedtime. Speaking of diet, opt for healthier and well-balanced foods based on Mediterranean diet – more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and legumes.
                                                                                                                                                  Sources: BBC / HelpGuide / Britannica