Noticing the Memory Slip
Right, so I stumbled across this talk online, you know, folks arguing about whether jerking off could mess with your memory. Honestly, I kinda brushed it off at first. But then, hmm, I actually started noticing things. Like, misplaced my keys way more often than usual? Couldn’t recall where I parked the car? Even forgot a minor work deadline – totally not like me. Got me wondering, you know? Could there be something to it? Decided it was time to put it to the test myself.
The “Clean Living” Test
Okay, action time. Made a choice: no solo sessions for one week. Just to see, pure and simple. Marked the start date on my calendar – Day Zero. Also dug out a notebook, nothing fancy, just to jot stuff down everyday.
- Day 1: Honestly, rough. Brain felt foggy, kinda distracted. Wrote down the time I usually did… things… to see the pattern. Felt a bit restless.
- Day 2: Still fighting the urge, majorly. Brain fog still hanging around. Focused on chores – anything to keep busy. Noticed I remembered to take the garbage out without my phone reminder. Small win?
- Day 3: Huh. Woke up feeling… clearer? Like the fog was lifting a little bit. Kept avoiding the old habit, distraction was key. Played some video games instead. Felt a tiny bit sharper recalling game details.
- Day 4 & 5: This was interesting. Found I was remembering more little things – stuff people mentioned offhand the day before, what I ate for lunch, even details from a news article. Sleep felt deeper too, weirdly enough. Jotted that down.
- Day 6 & 7: Big difference now. Mind felt noticeably quicker. Recalled specific parking spots easily, found my keys right away, remembered a colleague’s birthday without checking my calendar. Finished the week strong.
So, What Did I Learn?
Week’s up. Compared the notebook entries from start to finish. Clear pattern: that initial fog lifted, my focus snapped back, and things I needed to remember just… stuck better. For me, at least, there seemed to be a link. Maybe it was the extra energy, maybe better sleep – whatever it was, cutting back REALLY improved my recall.
How I’m Protecting My Noggin Now
Based on that week – and digging a bit deeper since – here’s what I’m doing differently to keep my brain sharp:
- Mindful Habits: Not quitting cold forever, just being way more aware. Setting limits feels healthier. Less solo time = clearer head for me.
- Sleep is KING: Seriously cranked up my sleep game. Earlier bedtimes, cooler room, no screens an hour before. Deep sleep feels like a brain reset now.
- Move That Body: Started just brisk walking most mornings. Gets blood pumping to my head. Feels good physically, and mentally, I feel sharper all day.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Simple but effective. Keep a big water bottle on my desk now. Getting enough water makes everything in the brain just work smoother.
Look, this was just my own little experiment. Could be totally different for you. But seeing the change in my own memory? That was real. Keeping up with these simple tweaks now. Feels way better not walking around searching for my keys every five minutes! Try it yourself maybe?