Few things are more depressing than not having the ability to recall something that is important to you. While memory retention is constantly being studied, tips based on the information that is available right now are included here.
Writing things down is the best way to remember important information. Not only does this circulate blood to the part of the brain responsible for memory function, but it also exercises it. Keeping a journal or writing detailed letters can improve you ability to remember important information.
Taking regular breaks while working or studying will allow you to better absorb and remember the information you have been working with. Once you resume your task, your brain will be alert and ready to go.
Mnemonic Devices
Using mnemonic devices is an excellent strategy for improving your ability to retain new information for a longer period of time. Mnemonic devices used for memory is similar to writers using shorthand. When you correlate a word with a certain piece of knowledge, you have a roadmap for your memory.
Sometimes your memory isn’t your problem, it’s actually a lack of attention. You may entertain yourself with ideas that you are paying adequate attention, when you are actually daydreaming. A wandering mind is not absorbing new information at optimal levels. Do the best you can to clear your mind so that you can focus on what’s being shown and said. Once the moment has passed, play it over again in your mind to commit it to memory.
Using your brain frequently and in interesting ways keeps it limber, just like exercising the muscles every day keeps them in top shape. Puzzles are a good way to keep your brain active.
Being socially active is good for your memory. This helps keep you in a good mood, and aware of your surroundings. Your brain is not stimulated if you are depressed or lonely, and the cells in your brain aren’t getting any exercise. If you have stimulating conversation with your friends, this helps give you a strong mind, which leads you to better memorization.
Your library should have a good selection of books on memory improvement that you can borrow. You can find books written by experts on memory; these books should be able to provide you with new techniques for your own use.
Memory loss is a vary tragic condition of an aging mind. A great way to prevent it, particularly in demented patients, is using prescriptions.
To better your mental performance and to remember information that you need, eat brain food. Healthy fats are important for brain health. Try to focus on things like fish, flavorful nuts like walnuts, and oils from flax seeds or olives rather than trans fats.
Listening to classical music can help to improve memory function. Soothing music can help relax your body and mind, and it can also improve your memory. Take a bath, or do something you enjoy while listening to this music.
You can remember information more easily if you focus on it without distractions while studying. You can’t remember anything for a long period of time if you don’t store it in your long-term memory. To shift a piece of information long term memory, you must be sure to place all of your mental energies it without outside distractions.
You can help improve your memory while studying if you create a consistent and specific schedule of learning the material during a series of particular sessions. Taking breaks and staying consistent helps your mind retain information better. 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.
Learn to make memory trees. If you are mastering a complex subject, learn the general ideas first, forming a trunk. Let yourself branch off the summary of the subject. Tiny details can be seen as leaves sprouting from branches of more general knowledge. Visualizing information in this way can help your mind stay organized, and make it easier to recall details.
Studies the details of the subject you are interested in, not just the basics. You will find it much easier to remember things when you know some of the background information. For example, if you want to know the meaning of a word, you should read all about it.
Try working out your brain by working out your body. You will find remembering and processing information much easier if your body is healthy. It is important that your brain get enough oxygen, and exercise is the best means of assuring this. Adequate oxygen flow will reduce the risk of deterioration of brain functions. Exercise will allow brain chemicals to be activated that help protect brain cells.
Setting an important idea or fact to music can help you remember it more effectively. It may sound peculiar, but how many of you have ever sung the ABC song? Brain cells retain repetitive actions and words much more easily. Try singing what you want to remember and you will see how it really sticks with you.
Use all of this information to help improve your memory. If you are able to absorb this information, you will reduce your frustration from not being able to remember things.