As we age, it becomes harder and harder to conjure up old memories. It has been said that the memories lost are replaced with new memories, but that may not be comforting when faced with losing memories of major life events. By using the following strategies, you can ensure that the process of memory loss is halted.
Use sticky notes if you find yourself forgetting about your tasks. Place them in spots you know for a fact you’ll look at frequently. An example is next to the cell phone or computer. These sticky notes can jog your memory.
Think positively to make your memory better. Research has shown that people who regularly experience negative thoughts are subject to more stress, which can also lead to poor memory skills. Your doctor can be a great resource for methods of relieving stress.
Your brain is like a muscle; you have to work it out to keep your memory sharp. Research shows puzzles can ward off senility.
Adequate, restful sleep is a great memory booster. Getting enough sleep at night can greatly impact your long and short-term memory. Tired minds struggle to remember things. Sleep longer at night or get some naps to improve your memory.
Include fish oil in your diet every day, through supplements if necessary. A lack of any good Omega-3 source in your diet can easily lead to memory issues. Consider adding a supplement if you are not getting enough in your food.
Having a good social life is recommended if you want to retain a strong memory capacity. You will learn to stay alert, and have positive thoughts. When you are depressed or lonely, your brain is not being stimulated and your mind is not getting the exercise it needs to stay sharp. When you have stimulating conversations with your friends, this keeps your mind strong, which leads to better memory.
Pay a visit to the library in your area and pick up some books that will help you increase your memory. Look for books written by well-known experts, as they may contain valuable exercises and tips for enhancing your ability to retain and recall information.
To aid in memory improvement, you might want to try taking ginseng. Ginseng has been shown to aid the brain in absorbing and retaining information. It is also good for your overall health. In addition to ginger, green tea is widely hailed as having positive applications in improving memory.
Passing knowledge onto others often promotes improved memory. You might find it helpful to discuss an idea with others; this makes it more likely that you will be able to recall the memory at a later date. This also allows you to properly encode the memory into your brain, making it much easier to call upon when needed.
Repeat things out loud. Practice repeating each name or fact that you want to learn out loud. If you hear what you are trying to remember, you will have a better chance of remembering it later on. If you don’t mind being heard, do this several times for best results.
The ability to recall things can become strained during times of mental stress. Relax in order to think more clearly if you can’t remember where you put something. Instead of quickly becoming upset with yourself, allow some time to recall the information.
Fish Oil
Daily doses of fish oil are believed by some to be helpful in improving and maintaining cognitive function. Studies have shown that fish oil, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids, can really help your memory. Getting the right dosage is important, so consult you doctor prior to taking this supplement.
If you are trying to remember things, put your focus solely onto what you are learning. Humans store items to be remembered in the long-term memory part of the brain. Outside distractions can make it very difficult to store information in your long term memory.
Develop a consistent study schedule to help improve your memory and learn the topic over a period of time. This allows you to have time to think through and retain the information. Research has proven that people who apply this method are better able to recall information that they’ve studied better than people who attempted to cram all the information into their brains at one time.
Mnemonic Devices
Use mnemonic devices to assist you in retaining important information. To use this technique, pair something you know with the information that you are trying to remember. Mnemonic devices are fun, and they often use jokes, rhymes or songs to help improve your memory and take frustration out of the studying process.
Staying active will help your memory. The more fit you are, the better you will be able to remember and process facts. Exercising also carries oxygen to the brain, decreasing your risk of developing diseases that cause memory loss. Exercise activates brain chemicals which assist in protecting brain cells.
Every so often there is no way to recover the lost memories. However, by reinvigorating your mind you can, at least, hold on to all the new memories that you create. Use these tips to make your life more efficient and productive.