It can be incredibly frustrating to forget important things in life, like people’s names and important dates. However, there are many things you can do to improve your memories, some of which you will read in this article.
Write down things you want to remember in order to improve your memory. Writing things down helps strengthen your memory of the event, by increasing blood flow to parts of your brain where memories are stored. Maintaining written records of key information is a great way to strengthen your power of recall.
Mnemonic Devices
By coming up with mnemonic devices, you will be able to remember things for a longer period of time. You can compare mnemonic devices to shorthand writing; the former helps with memory, while the later assists writers. Your mind links a specific fact or idea with a well-known word or image. This creates a relationship that makes it easier for you to recall that memory.
If remembering obligations or tasks is hard for you, jog your memory with sticky notes. Make sure you place them in places you will look at frequently, for example next to your computer. Using these notes will help you remember important information.
Try to get plenty of good sleep. In fact, sleep plays a vital role in both your short-term and long-term memory. A tired mind has greater trouble recalling facts and figures. Try to get plenty of rest to help you retain memory.
Study in a new place, or redecorate your study area to help you remember what you’re studying. Your long-term memory can benefit from you studying in a completely new area. Your brain will start taking in all the new details of your environment, and as a result will also be more receptive to remembering what you are studying.
If you have trouble memorizing information, try making a mental picture of things you want to commit to memory. For example, seeing the information as opposed to hearing it can help you recall it at a later date. Photos and various charts can serve as visual cues and help you remember. If graphs, images or charts are absent, create your own.
Memory Loss
Memory loss can be tragic for the aging mind. Prescription medicines are the one of the best tools to prevent memory loss, particularly in patients suffering from dementia.
If you’re in a situation where someone’s told you something that you’re struggling to remember, you might want to reword it in a unique way, and then attempt to commit it to memory. Putting it into your own words takes understanding, and information that is understood is remembered more easily.
Repeat items that you are trying to remember aloud. Practice repeating each name or fact that you want to learn out loud. By repeating these things, you will hear it, thus, storing it in your mind. If you happen to be by yourself or don’t really care who hears you, say it over a few times to yourself.
When you have something that needs memorizing, relate it to a memory that you already have. If you associate something you already know with something new you are trying to learn, you’re more likely to recall things quickly and store them in your long-term memory.
Use all of this information to help improve your memory. If you can figure out how to keep the information you learn, you can ease some frustration in your life.