Strengthen your cognitive skills and learn valuable tips for increasing your memory capacity. While it may seem that there is nothing you can do to strengthen your memory as you age, there are actually a number of strategies you can adopt. This will ensure that your mind stays sharp, no matter what situation faces you and no matter how long you have lived.
Brain-challenging games can be an enjoyable way to get your memory in high gear. It’s similar to how exercise keeps your body in shape. Regular exercise of your brain helps it to become stronger, and will improve your memory, focus and concentration skills. Crossword puzzles, brain teasers, and word searches are great games that can boost your memory.
If you really want to perform an exercise that helps you remember things, then simply write them down. This task increases blood flow to parts of the brain that handle memory, and it gives it a little workout. Improve your memory by writing out lists or keeping a journal. When the time comes for you to recall things, you will find it easier to remember thing that you have written down.
Mnemonic Devices
Creating mnemonic devices for improving your memory is an excellent method of retaining information for longer periods of time. Mnemonic devices are a great way to recall something. Correlate a word or a short phrase with something that you want to remember. This makes it easier to retrieve when you want to recall it later.
Sometimes your memory isn’t your problem, it’s actually a lack of attention. If you are not focusing, the information will not be understood correctly and you will not be able to remember it. Do your best to clear your mind and focus on what is being said and shown. Once the moment has passed, play it over again in your mind to commit it to memory.
Write sticky notes to help yourself remember to complete tasks. Locate them in prominent areas that you use often, such as the refrigerator or near your computer. Think of these sticky notes as an aid to your memory.
Getting rid of unpleasant and negative thoughts can help you improve your memory. Researchers have shown that those plagued by negativity or who have a great deal of stress in their lives have lower memory function than those who do not share those afflictions. Ask your doctor about ways to get rid of stress.
If you have an upcoming test, try varying your study environment on a regular basis. Changing your environment refreshes your mind, and it also makes long-term memory a lot more effective. Your brain wakes up when it detects any change to your routines, and when the brain is awake, it can take in more information.
In order to engage your memory and keep it working as well as it can, you need to stay socially active. Your spirits will say up and alert. If you are depressed or lonely, your brain does not get stimulated and exercised. However, if you engage in interesting conversation with others, your mind will remain sharp, as will your memory.
Associating a bit of information with a humorous song or image can help your brain recall it later. If you use a funny way to remember something you may be able to remember it easier down the line.
Remember that you are a lifelong learner, even after you are officially done with school. The part of your brain which helps with memory needs to be used to continue functioning. Therefore, you may have difficulty remembering information when such a need arises.
Get enough sleep. Research indicates that not sleeping enough will affect your ability to remember things on a daily basis. If you lack concentration, you won’t be able to convert short-term memory into long-term memory.
To improve mental performance and retention, eat brain food. Healthy fats contribute gains to the health of the brain. Avoid unhealthy trans fats, and include some delicious walnuts, fresh fish, and olives to your meals.
Stress can cause forgetfulness. If you are learning something new or trying to recall the location of an object, try to relax first. Take your time to remember whatever you have to, rather than getting frustrated.
Attempt to create and maintain many different relationships in order to reduce your chances of getting illnesses associated with memory loss. Studies have proven that time with loved ones helps keep your memories in tact.
If you struggle to remember a new person’s name, you should try associating it with a person who has the same name. You can also find a way to associate them with a celebrity that shares their name. By connecting the new face with a familiar name, you should be able to recall the new individual’s name.
By adopting the tactics in this article, you can improve your mind’s ability to meet challenges. Memory that stays alert will aid in making connections with your family, friends and co-workers. Utilize the tips that you read in this article, and live life more effectively.
