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| BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 10: A real human brain being displayed as part of new exhibition at the @Bristol attraction is seen on March 8, 2011 in Bristol, England. The Real Brain exhibit - which comes with full consent from a anonymous donor and needed full consent from the Human Tissue Authority - is suspended in large tank engraved with a full scale skeleton on one side and a diagram of the central nervous system on the other and is a key feature of the All About Us exhibition opening this week. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife) |
Improve Your Memory
All of the relationships that are built throughout your life rely on your memory. Memory loss is not a forgone conclusion for anyone! Here are some terrific tips to help you increase your brain function and strengthen your overall memory.
If you have an upcoming test, try varying your study environment on a regular basis. Your long-term memory can benefit from you studying in a completely new area. Your brain tends to wake up as it detects changes in your routine, and once this happens, your brain could take a lot more information.
Sticking to a regular schedule and breaking your task into multiple sessions can make studying more effective. Doing this gives you a chance to process everything you've read, so that your brain will be able to retain what you've learned. There is scientific evidence that spaced repetition is much more effective for memorizing information, than cramming during a single session.
When it's crucial that you remember something, try "hooking" the information together. Finding things about the information you're trying to memorize that logically go together can help you make the association and recall it. On the other hand, sometimes it's equally helpful to think of things that are illogical associations. For instance, when trying to memorize that lead has a symbol of Pb on the periodic chart of elements, a chemistry student might try repeating "peanut butter and lead". Pb would link peanut butter and the symbol for lead. Since there is no obvious connection, it becomes memorable.
Ensure that you get plenty of rest. Numerous studies indicate that having a good rest at night is a crucial factor in the ability to retain recent memories. When you aren't focused, it is more difficult to fortify long-term memory.
Refrain from consuming coffee. Found in coffee, amongst other beverages, caffeine can make you dehydrated. Because most of your brain contains water, dehydration can make you feel fatigued, causing problems with brain functioning. This, in turn, has an impact on your recall abilities.
Try visualizing the ideas you need to remember. You might want to add visual aids for yourself if this helps you recall information when you read a textbook. Drawing your own versions of charts and graphs can also help you to memorize.
Many people find that writing things down makes it much easier to commit them to memory. The act of writing the information down increases blood flow in the areas of the brain involved in memory. Keep a notebook, a journal or write detailed lists to constantly help your ability to remember items you may need in the future.
Try to exercise regularly to help your memory. Exercise can be more beneficial than most people might think in helping resolve memory issues.
If you are in need of remembering something, you should attempt to associate it with something funny, such as a funny song, phrase, or mental image. By using humor to make the information more entertaining, it will be easier for you to recall it at a later date.
There is evidence to suggest that fish oil can improve your ability to store and recall memories more effectively. Research has demonstrated that Omega 3 Fats, such as fish oil, can increase your memory. As should be the case with any nutritional supplement, consult your doctor for proper dosage information.
One good way to keep your mind limber is to stay active within your social circles. This will help you stay alert and happy. Don't let yourself get isolated and depressed. Your brain needs stimulation to work properly; depression, sadness and loneliness stop your brain from receiving that stimulation. If you have regular conservations with people you know, your mind will be engaged and you will remember things better.
If you have a family member or friend suffering memory loss issues, attempt to display a patient and understanding attitude toward them. It's very hard for them, and they don't need someone whose not understanding. By taking a patient and understanding approach, you will help them feel better.
One great way to retain information is to try something known as "chunking". What this means is when you want to remember information, group small bits into chunks. Your mind can only take on a limited amount at one time. Break down what you want into digestible bites.
It is very frustrating when you are trying to remember a memory or a fact and you cannot recall it. Clearing your mind of all distractions can make it easier to focus on that elusive tidbit. If searching for something, take a moment to breathe deeply, remove extraneous thoughts, and then start looking with a fresh perspective.
The idea of forgetting an important date is often viewed as humorous until you realize that there are quite a few dates that you can not recall. This could be the beginning of memory loss. Use the advice provided here to protect your vital memories.
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