Reductions in memory function and capacity are often an inevitable fact of aging. It has been said that the memories lost are replaced with new memories, but that may not be comforting when faced with losing memories of major life events. The following tips can help you keep your memories as sharp and fresh as the day they were formed.
One fun way to improve your memory is by playing games designed to challenge your brain. This would be equivalent to your exercising in order to keep the muscles in shape. By regularly challenging your brain, you will improve your memory, focus, and concentration. Try brain teasers, crosswords and word searches, for instance.
Mnemonic Devices
Using mnemonic devices is an excellent strategy for improving your ability to retain new information for a longer period of time. Think of mnemonic devices for memory in the same way shorthand writing works for writers. Correlate a word or a short phrase with something that you want to remember. This makes it easier to retrieve when you want to recall it later.
If you need to retain a great deal of information, you may find it useful to regularly switch up your study locations. This will prevent information from being associated with a certain location. Rather, the information is able to be internalized within you. You will make the information something you will remember forever if you make a conscious effort to study in a variety of places.
Rid your mind of negative thoughts in order to improve your memory. Many studies show that extra stress on your mind and body can lead to short-term memory loss and forgetfulness. Ask your doctor about what you can do to relieve your stress.
Even though your brain is not a physical muscle, it does need regular workouts to keep it sharp. Research has documented that puzzle playing wards off senility.
Memory Games
If you want to improve your memory, playing memory games is a great way to stay sharp. There are memory games out there that can be fun and can help you remember things better. Along with memory, these games may better your attention and concentration. There are several games you can find on the Internet that do not cost any money to play.
Make sure you allow time to get enough quality sleep each night. Sleep plays a powerful role in terms of short-term and long-term memory. If you have a tired brain, you will not remember things as well. You can try to get more sleep at night to help your memory out.
If you want to have a good memory, remain active socially. Social interactions keep you alert and uplifted. When you feel depressed or lonely, your mind lacks stimulation and brain cells become dormant. Memory cells will be strengthened during engaging conversation with other people.
Memory Improvement
You can find a number of useful books on the topic of memory improvement at your local public library. There are many professionals who have written memory improvement books that draw on scientifically validated techniques that have been shown to improve memory.
Regular exercise is a great strategy to help improve your memory. You do not have to spend hours working out, a few minutes of activity should be enough.
A great method for strengthening your memory power is to serve as a teacher. For instance, if you are having trouble recalling a particular anecdote, try to relate it to a wider circle of individuals. This also allows you to properly encode the memory into your brain, making it much easier to call upon when needed.
Do not try to cram when you study. A better way to remember things is to use study sessions, as opposed to cramming. Don’t try to memorize everything in one sitting. Your brain will be overwhelmed, and you will easily forget the information. Regular study sessions are far more effective if you want your brain to reliably recall information.
Never doubt yourself. A lot of people believe that memory wanes as you get older. That’s not always the case. Expecting that your memory will start to go can actually damage your memory. When people begin to doubt your mental acuity, it becomes easier to believe that about yourself. Continuing to believe in the quality of your memory can help immensely.
Repeat things out loud. As soon as you learn something like a name, repeat it out loud. Repeating things where you can hear it is a great way to ensure that you remember that bit of information at a later date. Find a way to sneak your repeat of the information into casual conversation, it does not need to be obvious you are practicing a memory trick.
Sleep at least eight hours per night. Studies indicate that your short-term memory can be negatively affected by a lack of sleep. When you aren’t focused, it is more difficult to fortify long-term memory.
Feed your brain with the food it needs to stay focused so that you see improvements in your memory. One thing that is crucial for brain health is healthy fats. Eat a lot of nuts, fish, oils and olives rather than foods that are high in trans fats.
It may not be possible to get back memories that have been lost. However, you can make sure you don’t lose new memories by following the advice in this article. Read on to learn how to strengthen your memory.