As you get older, you may realize that your memory is losing strength. What can you do to stay mentally sharp as you get older? Using the tips from this article, you can learn how to train your brain to become better at remembering things again.
Simply writing down information that you want to remember is good exercise for your memory. The act of writing the information down increases blood flow in the areas of the brain involved in memory. Great ways to put this technique to work include writing in a diary or journal, keeping up a written correspondence with a friend, of making extensive use of planners or written schedules.
Taking as little as a 5 to 15 minute break when studying or working at your desk allows your mind to refresh itself and will benefit your memory. This makes it easier for you to retain important matters more effectively.
Mnemonic Devices
By coming up with mnemonic devices, you will be able to remember things for a longer period of time. Shorthand writing is to writers the way mnemonic devices are to memory. You “tag” the thing you want to remember with a helpful image or word that will prompt your memory.
Do your best to use multiple locations when studying, this way your brain will file the information into long term storage, rather than just associating it with a specific location. You don’t want to limit yourself to associating certain information with certain areas. Instead, you want to keep your brain fresh. The more places you study at, the more likely the information will go into your long-term memory storage.
A healthy exercise routine can help you stay on top of your memory. Exercising increases blood flow to your brain, which preserves cognitive function. Keeping your body healthy will help you keep a hold of your memory. Exercise also helps to stave off conditions, like diabetes, which have been proven to have a negative effect on memory.
If you’re trying to remember something, associate it with a funny image, song or phrase. Using humor will make remembering things entertaining, so they will be easier to remember later.
A helpful tip to boost the information in your memory is by visualizing the concept that you desire to recall and memorize. You might want to add visual aids for yourself if this helps you recall information when you read a textbook. You may even want to make your own graphs and charts to aid you in this memory process.
Spend a moment to establish a relation between the information you are attempting to put to memory to some already established knowledge. Developing such organic ties greatly boosts your likelihood of permanently cataloging the new information. Additionally, exercising your mind through relations will allow you to memorize things much more quickly.
Try to have faith in your own abilities. It is assumed that your memory gets worse as you age. That’s not always the case. Anticipating memory loss can actually cause it. If people are telling you that you are absentminded and forgetful, you may start to internalize these labels. You can help your memory just by believing that it is still healthy and strong.
Sleep at least eight hours per night. There is scientific data that suggests that adequate sleep is required to retain information learned during the day. If your concentration is impaired, it may become difficult to store events in your long-term memory.
One way to boost your memory is relate the things you want to remember with information you already know. For example, you can link information to a more familiar concept. Over time, this process will make it easier to store information in your long-term memory.
Healthy Fats
To better your mental performance and to remember information that you need, eat brain food. Healthy fats are very important for a healthy brain. 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.
Failure of your memory can be irritating and depressing, but look for ways to combat the loss. Make sure you stay focused on the advice you read in this article, as it can help you with your memory recall. By putting in a little time, you may develop the best memory you have ever had in your life.