As your memory starts to wane, you will feel as if you’re losing control, and that your life does not have the structure it needs. This can change, though, and you don’t have to accept having a poor memory. Memory-enhancing exercises can help to strengthen your memory, leaving you feeling more confident in your ability to remember things. This article contains some helpful information that will get you started.
Take a fifteen minute break every hour or so to relax and clear your mind. This will get your brain in the right state to more readily absorb new information.
Mnemonic Devices
If you want to remember information for long periods of time, develop some association strategies, or mnemonic devices, to help you. Good mnemonic devices work in much the same way that shorthand works for stenographers. You “tag” the thing you want to remember with a helpful image or word that will prompt your memory.
If you need to remember an important amount of information, study it in different locations. This stops your brain from associating the information with one place and instead encourages more general recall. Simply put, learning things in different locations makes it much easier for your brain to convert information into long-term memories.
Among the most effective memory building techniques is physical exercise. Exercise brings better circulation, which means more oxygen to keep your brain functioning well. Your brain is what keeps your memory running, which is why it’s important to keep your body and brain healthy if you want your memory to stay in good shape. Exercising is also a good way to avoid getting certain conditions that affect your memory, such as diabetes.
Find ways to incorporate fish oil into your regular diet. Low levels of omega-3 could be the cause of your poor memory. Consider adding a supplement if you are not getting enough in your food.
If you are studying, one way to improve your memory is by changing the environment in which you are studying. Switching up your surroundings can actually rejuvenate your brain cells, and increase memory in the longer term. When your brain notices a change in surroundings, it’ll become more alert, and will be better at taking in information as a result.
Stay socially active if you want to keep a strong memory. Social interactions keep you alert and uplifted. 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. Exciting and interesting conversations with friends and family helps stimulate and exercise your brain, which then helps you improve your memory.
If there is something you must recall at a later time, attempt to associate the thought with a funny phrase, melody or visual imagery. Humorous phrases, songs, and the like have a way of staying in your mind even when you are trying to forget them! Take advantage of that fact.
Have faith in yourself and your abilities. The notion that your memory always fails in old age is very common. However, this is only the case sometimes. Expecting memory deterioration could potentially damage your memory. You may begin to doubt your memory if your friends or family question it as well. Being able to believe that you have good memory could help it greatly.
Repeat information you want to remember out loud. When you are introduced to a person, repeat their name out loud if you can. By saying and listening to the information you wish to retain, you will be more likely to remember it in the long term. If you are alone or not easily embarrassed, repeat it several times to yourself.
Ensure that you get plenty of rest. Research has shown that adequate sleep can be a major factor of memory retention. When you’re unable to concentrate, it’ll be hard for your mind to transfer the events of the present into your long-term memory.
If it is hard for you to remember the names of new people, try to make an association in your mind. You could mentally connect the person with another person who has a similar name or with a word that is similar to the person’s name. You can also use a different type of association-mental association. With mental association, you associate the person with someone famous. Associating an unfamiliar face with a familiar name will make it easier for your brain to make the connection between the two.
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. This will let you think things through, and absorb the information. Studies have proven that a subject who divided their study time in different sessions memorized the information more efficiently than a subject who crammed the information in one session.
Pay attention while learning new things to ensure that it is committed to memory. If you have a problem remembering names, try picturing the first name in letters after meeting someone new, and always ask for the proper spelling if there are multiple possible spellings for the name. You can simply ask how their name is spelled. Then, repeat what you learn to improve the chance that you will remember it. Use it a couple times during normal conversations, and you will surely remember it in the future.
One tip to strengthen your memory is to always do in-depth studying into any subject you want to remember. It is easier to remember something when your knowledge about it is more than basic. When you are looking up the definition of a word, take the time to read a lengthier description of its use.
Don’t let your bad memory make you feel down. This advice can help you use these tips in your own life. Follow the tips that work for you, and you will see memory improvement over time. Ensure you maintain a good attitude, and work hard in order to achieve excellent results.
