You don’t have to simply accept memory loss. Memory is something that you can take positive steps to improve. You can use many effective methods that will maintain and increase your memory skills. Here are some great ideas.
One exercise that will help you remember better is to write things down. This creates blood flow to the brain areas responsible for memories, and exercises those memories. Students have been acing exams for years by taking notes, and you too can apply this technique to recall information. Just keep a diary, take thorough notes or even keep things cataloged in your PC’s Word program.
Take at least a five minute break for each hour you work or study so that your mind can rejuvenate itself. That will help your brain absorb and retain the information more easily.
Mnemonic Devices
You might find mnemonic devices useful in retaining and recalling some memories. Good mnemonic devices work in much the same way that shorthand works for stenographers. When you correlate a word with a certain piece of knowledge, you have a roadmap for your memory.
You want to study all the information you’re trying to learn in different areas, at different times, as much as you can. Doing this will allow you to dissociate what you’re learning from where you are, making it easier to recall wherever you are. By moving around, however, you can easily store items in long-term memory by disassociating them from locations.
Sticky notes left in prominent places are a great way to jog your memory if you are having problems remembering things you have to do or purchase. Make sure you place them in places you will look at frequently, for example next to your computer. Using sticky notes will make sure you don’t forget to do something important.
Your brain is similar to a muscle. It can become weak if you don’t exercise it often. You can improve brain function and potentially stop your brain from degenerating with age if you challenge your brain with puzzles.
If you want to have a good memory, remain active socially. This will help keep your mind alert and focused, and your spirits lifted. When you are lonely or depressed, your mind does not receive stimulation, and the brain cells do not get their exercise. Talking and interacting with friends, even if it is online, keeps your mind sharp and better able to remember things.
Identify the idea or image that you wish to learn, then tie it to a similar concept that you are more familiar with. When you build ties between new and old information, it will help you retain the new information in your memory. Also, the related exercise will help speed up the process of memorization.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the most tragic things that happens to the aging mind. One of the best things that can be done to aid in memory loss prevention, especially in demented patients, is prescription medication.
A smart way to improve memory significantly is for you to teach others something. An example of this would be a person forgetting how they taught their grandson to swim. If the person tells more people the story, they will remember what happened much easier. Retelling something makes the memories associated with it stronger, and thus harder to forget.
Don’t doubt yourself. A common myth is that memory becomes poor as people age. This is not necessarily true. In fact, stressing about possibly eventually losing your memory can actually do a number on your mind and hurt your short-term memory. If others begin to question your ability to remember things, you may find yourself doubting your capabilities, too. When you think positive and think you have a good memory then you can help yourself stay positive and sharp.
If you find that you are having difficulty remembering information imparted to you from someone else, try putting it into your own words. It’s often easier for people to remember something if they’ve worded it in their own unique way.
Healthy Fats
To improve mental performance and retention, eat brain food. Brain function can be improved by including healthy fats in your daily diet. Get plenty of these healthy fats by eating foods such as fish and walnuts and using flax seed oil and olive oil instead of trans fat.
Stress will contribute to your struggles with remembering things. Whether you are learning something new or are attempting to recall where you have put something, relax. Do not get upset or frustrated: leave yourself enough time to remember.
The more healthy, happy relationships you have, the better your memory will be in the future. Research has demonstrated that spending quality time with family and friends is healthy for the portion of the brain that contains your memories. This doesn’t necessarily mean many hours per week. It only requires a few hours per week.
You can improve your memory as you study if you set up a consistent schedule and learn the material over a series of sessions. This gives you time to think about the material, and retain what you’ve learned. Research has shown that people who have used this method will be able to remember things more easily than those who have crammed this information.
Loss of memory doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion. Implement some of the tips you have found above. They are sure to help you begin addressing the potential problem of memory loss.
