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.
One exercise that will help you remember better is to write things down. This helps the area of your brain that controls memories by circulating the flow of blood. You can drastically improve your memory when you keep a journal or other detailed documentation.
Mnemonic Devices
Coming up with mnemonic devices to help improve memory helps to absorb information for greater periods of time. Mnemonic devices are prompts that aid you in remembering something, just as shorthand aids a writer. You will associate information with another word, you will be able to relate it and have a map to that memory.
Pay attention! This is one easy way you can improve your memory. If your mind is prone to wandering, you will miss crucial details of conversation. Clear any distracting thoughts from your mind and replace them with tight mental focus on the information relay at hand. Keep your focus strong to retain the information in your memory.
Losing those unpleasant or negative thoughts can improve a person’s memory. Many studies show that extra stress on your mind and body can lead to short-term memory loss and forgetfulness. Speak with your doctor about stress-relieving strategies.
Body Healthy
Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your memory. When you are exercising, your blood will flow to your brain in a better way and it will keep your brain healthier. Memory occurs in the brain, and keeping your body healthy keeps your brain healthy, so keeping your body healthy will help your memory. Exercise also helps to stave off conditions, like diabetes, which have been proven to have a negative effect on memory.
Play some memory skill games to hone your memory. There are a number of enjoyable memory games to help you retain information and to keep your memory working well. These games are also great if you suffer from problems with concentration or attention. Many memory games are available for free on the Internet.
While studying, an easy way to enhance your brain’s memory retention is to switch your studying environment. Changing your environment refreshes your mind, and it also makes long-term memory a lot more effective. Changing your routine stimulates your brain so that it is more alert and ready to absorb information. Your brain works more effectively after this kind of stimulation.
Stay socially active to keep your memory healthy. This will help keep your mind alert and focused, and your spirits lifted. If you’re depressed or lonely, your mind isn’t being stimulated and your brain cells aren’t getting a work out. Engaging in spirited social outings with your friends and family can help you to maintain an acute mind.
Exercising on a regular basis will help your memory. In other words, exercise is as good for your mind as it is for your body.
Although you may have left the classroom far behind, you should never stop trying to learn new ways of thinking. The part of your brain which helps with memory needs to be used to continue functioning. The time may come when you will find it hard to remember some important information if you neglect the need to “exercise” your memory.
Say things out loud. When you come across something to remember, like a name, say it out loud. When you repeat new information loud enough for your brain to get the information again, it will help to cement it in your brain for retrieval at a later time. If no one else is around or you really need to remember the information, repeat it multiple times.
Short Term Memory
Learn to relate important new information with existing information in your mind. This will help you expand your memorization abilities. If something in your short term memory is associated with something you’re very familiar with, it’ll be easier for you to recall it. Doing this will also make it easy for the information to move from your short term memory to your long-term one.
Try to make and maintain numerous healthy relationships if you want to reduce your chances of developing illnesses that cause memory loss. Experts have founds that spending quality time with friends and family improves your memory. Even brief interaction with others has a significant effect on how your brain retains information.
To help you remember a new person’s name, find a way to associate them with someone else of the same name. Remember, you can also use celebrities and public figures in your mental associations. Associating an unfamiliar face with a familiar name will make it easier for your brain to make the connection between the two.
Use mnemonic devices to aid you in retaining important information. This involves learning to pair a topic you know well with the topic you need to remember. Mnemonic devices often make use of songs, jokes or rhymes. It is an enjoyable method to improve someone’s memory, and it can take away the frustration related to studying.
By incorporating the tactics delineated above into your life, you can keep your mind nimble and ready for any challenge. Your memory is useful for developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships. As you apply the advice and information in this article, you will see your life becoming more productive and meaningful.
