The older we get, the more prone we are to lose memory functions. Some believe that newer memories are created to replace older ones, but that isn’t much consolation to someone who can’t remember a lost love or a child’s birth. By employing the methods in this article, you can slow down memory loss.
One fun way to improve your memory is by playing games designed to challenge your brain. It is similar to exercising to keep the muscles in shape. Frequently treating your mind to a healthy challenge will strengthen it over time, ultimately boosting your focus and memory. Some great games for your brain are brain teasers, crossword puzzles, and word searches.
Negative Thoughts
If you’d like a better memory, try to purge negative thoughts from your mind. It is scientifically proven that people who have negative thoughts or are suffering from extreme amounts of stress tend to have a compromised memory. Consult your physician to explore stress relief techniques.
You can re-charge your memory while studying by switching to a new environment. This does two things. First, it refreshes your mind with new surroundings. Second, it increases the effectiveness of your long-term memory. Your brain will be more alert and more receptive to the information when it is stimulated by a routine change.
Many people suggest creating relationships between a new concept or image and an amusing phrase or picture. This type of creative thinking makes it easier to store new information for later access. Using a funny mnemonic device creates a humorous, entertaining association with the piece of information, and you will be able to recall it more easily in the future.
When you visualize things you can actually help your brain recall things and you can boost your memories’ capabilities. 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. You can also try to remember graphs and charts through memory and draw them out.
Take a trip to your community library and find any texts you can that cover memory improvement. There are many books available that were written by psychiatrists that will give you helpful and professional tips for improving brain function and overall memory.
Severe Memory Loss
Sadly, many people begin suffering from severe memory loss as they get older. Severe memory loss can often be helped with prescription medication, especially among dementia patients.
Cramming is a very poor way to study and should be avoided. Spread your time studying over several sessions, when you need to learn something new. Don’t try and learn all there is to learn in one sitting. It can overwhelm your mind, and you can forget nearly all of it. Reserve small blocks of time every day for studying.
Even if you aren’t currently enrolled in school, it is vital that you keep learning new things. If you fail to acquire new types of knowledge, the portion of your brain that governs memory may begin to atrophy. Unless you keep your mind sharp, you may find it more difficult to recall information when you need it.
A trick to improve memory is to speak something out loud when it is important to remember it. When you learn anything new, such as a persons name, repeat it to yourself outloud. Repeating information aloud helps you remember it later. Repeat the information more than once, if possible. You can do this easily if nobody else is around. Develop a thick skin so that you can repeat information in public without embarrassment.
Good sleeping habits are important for all brain functions. Research indicates that not sleeping enough will affect your ability to remember things on a daily basis. If you are too tired to concentrate, you will not be able to store new information into your long term memory.
You can improve brain elasticity when you meditate therefore allowing your brain and it’s memory to function at batter rates. You will relieve stress from your body which helps promote healthiness throughout your body. If you’d like to meditate, all you need to do is go to a quiet, relaxing place, paying attention to nothing but your breathing. Try to meditate for at least 30 minutes a day to make sure your mind gets the exercise it needs.
Incoming stress makes it much easier for you to forget things. If you are learning something new or trying to recall the location of an object, try to relax first. Give your mind the time it needs to remember what is needed rather than stressing further.
Sometimes lost memories can be gone for good. But by following the tips laid out in this article, you can be sure that you are always holding on to the new memories you make. Use the advice you have read, and learn how you can maintain a strong memory.