Our memory is a skill, just like any other skill it needs the practice to improvise. By practicing the below-mentioned skills/activities you can improve your memory and will be able to remember things in a better way.
1. Repeat what you learn
The more you repeat what you learn the more chances that you will remember it. Repetition reinforces the connections we create between neurons. Suppose you wanted to memorize a speech, just reading it will not make sure that you remember it. You have to repeatedly read it and write it down.
1. Repeat what you learn
The more you repeat what you learn the more chances that you will remember it. Repetition reinforces the connections we create between neurons. Suppose you wanted to memorize a speech, just reading it will not make sure that you remember it. You have to repeatedly read it and write it down.
But the work doesn’t stop there. Research shows that simple repetition is an ineffective learning tool if used on its own. You’ll need to sit back down later and actively try to retrieve the information without looking at where you wrote it down. Testing yourself to retrieve the information is better than repeated studying. Practicing retrieval creates more long-term and meaningful learning experiences
Learning by drawing diagrams is an effective way to remember what you have learned. You no need to be an expert artist to draw diagrams and learn. Just by drawing some arrows and boxes you can easily memorize what you want. Our brain reacts to visual representation more than in a written form.
3. Learn a challenging skill
Our brain is just like our muscles. It grows when you exercise it. You'll need to keep your brain constantly challenged. Learning a new skill is an excellent way to strengthen your brain’s memory capacity.
There are many activities to choose from, but most importantly, you’ll need to find something that forces you out of your comfort zone and commands your full attention. You can learn a new language, a new sport or a new exercise routine to keep challenging your brain.
4. Don't google right away
Nowadays, the whole world is in our hands in the form of a smartphone. We can get whatever we want from the place we are. This is really incredible but at the same time it makes people "mentally lazy". Before you reach for your phone to ask Siri or Google, make a solid attempt to retrieve the information with your mind. This process helps reinforce the neural pathways in your brain.
5. Try acronyms, abbreviations, and mnemonics
Mnemonics have been tested since the 1960s as an effective strategy for students. You’ve probably been taught a few mnemonic devices for remembering long lists. For example, the colors of the spectrum can be remembered with the name VIBGYOR (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red)
6. 'Group' or 'chunk' information
Grouping or chunking refers to the process of dividing newly learned information into chunks to produce fewer, larger chunks of information. Research says that you can remember up to 7 chunks of information at a time. For example, you may have noticed that it’s much easier to remember a phone number if the 10 digits are grouped into three separate chunks (e.g. 9159-207-789) rather than one long number (9159207789).
7. Find your own way
Another common mistake is relying on the GPS every time you drive. Researchers found that relying on response techniques — such as GPS — for navigation, shrinks a part of our brain called the hippocampus, which is responsible for spatial memory and moving information from short-term to long-term memory. Poor hippocampus health is associated with dementia and memory decline.
Unless you’re totally lost, try to get to your destination using your brain instead of just following the instructions on your GPS. Perhaps use GPS to get there, but use your brain to get back home. Your brain will thank you for the extra challenge.
8. Keep yourself organized
An organized person can remember things easier than a person who is not organized. Checklists are a great example of that. Studies also show it is more effective if you write down your checklists rather than electronically saving or typing it.
9. Stay away from your phones at night
The blue light emitted by cell phone, TV, and computer screens inhibit the production of melatonin a hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).
Without enough sleep and rest, the neurons in our brain become overworked. They can no longer coordinate information, making it more difficult to access memories. Allow your brain to unwind by turning off the devices at least one hour before the bedtime
10. Shed that extra pounds
Do you know that being obese or overweight can also lead to memory problems?
Overweight people also have less brain tissue. The more overweight you are, the more your brain is likely to shrink and affect your memory.
As said earlier, memory skill is just like any other skill. Since you are not able to remember things properly it doesn't mean you are having a disease or you have a weak brain. It all lies in practice. As we grow older our memory also slides slowly. Most of the old people's nightmare is not able to remember things and losing the capability of living alone. We have to take proper care of our body and mind to live a healthier life.
Do you know that being obese or overweight can also lead to memory problems?
Overweight people also have less brain tissue. The more overweight you are, the more your brain is likely to shrink and affect your memory.
As said earlier, memory skill is just like any other skill. Since you are not able to remember things properly it doesn't mean you are having a disease or you have a weak brain. It all lies in practice. As we grow older our memory also slides slowly. Most of the old people's nightmare is not able to remember things and losing the capability of living alone. We have to take proper care of our body and mind to live a healthier life.
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