Every day, we are bombarded with more information than we could ever hope to retain. There are certain moments or pieces of information that we want or need to hang on to, however, so it’s important that we do what we can to protect our minds. The tips in this article should help you build a better-functioning memory.
If you are looking to improve your memory a little bit, then use the knowledge that you have by teaching others. Doing this makes your brain fire in a different way, and it helps in increasing memory. The trick is to teach something that you are genuinely interested in sharing.
One of the best ways to store new information in memory is to relate it to something else that you are already familiar with. Creating a logical link between the new information and something else that you already know will increase your chances of being able to successfully recall that information later. The link you create functions as a trigger to recall the new information.
In order to improve your memory, try doing more aerobic exercise. Recent studies have shown that high intensity cardio workouts can actually help you grow more brain cells in your hippocampus, the portion of your brain responsible for memory. Some exercises that you may want to try include running, biking, kickboxing and swimming.
When learning a new concept, teaching someone else the concept has been proven to be an effective way to improve your memory. The reason for this is that when you teach someone else the concept, you must first have an understanding of it and then be able to phrase it yourself. It is significantly more effective than simply trying to remember a concept word for word.
Use regular study sessions over a period of time rather than a single cramming session. Studies have shown that if you study material over a course of a few days, you have a better chance of remembering it than if you cram in a single night. So instead of cramming the night before a test, establish a regular study time each night or every other night.
The easiest way to improve your memory is to get a good night’s sleep! Sometimes our busy schedules make it seem like cutting out a few hours of sleep is the only way to be productive, but your brain needs rest to function at its best. Sleeping is also when your brain processes and stores your memories from that day.
Exercise your brain frequently. Consider activities where you need to improve. Repeating what you already know will lead nowhere and will not create new connections among your brain cells. Break your routines frequently and find new ways of doing your everyday chores. Choose activities which are new, fun and challenging.
A great way to help you improve your memory is to start taking alternative driving routes. Taking different routes will keep your mind active by keeping you guessing and alert. Keeping your mind active like this can go a long way in improving your ability to remember things.
For important things you have to remember on a certain day, use a pen and write the information on your hands. This is a technique that has been used for generations and it works because you know the information is on you at all times. Just make sure you do not wash your hands!
Add aromatherapy to your life if you want to improve your memory. This works because these aromas help to relax you, which in turn, helps your memory improve. Also, if you are not sensitive to the smells, you may want to try adding candles throughout your home as they will relax you too.
If you are having a hard time remembering where a certain location is, do not be ashamed to use a map, that is what they are there for. Perhaps looking at a map to jog your memory one time can cause the location to stay in your mind for the next time you need to go there.
Recognize that your memories might be biased. How you perceive the world will always be from your point of view. Because of that, your memories of things will always be ever so slightly biased in your favor. It is important to recognize and compensate for this. To recall an event correctly, try recalling it from an objective point of view.
If you allow yourself to create and abide by a daily schedule that breaks down your task, it will be easier to retain new information. This allows you to have time to think through and retain the information. Studies have proven that a subject who divided their study time in different sessions memorized the information more efficiently than a subject who crammed the information in one session.
Many people use visualization to remember information. Try visualizing what you wish to remember, create mind pictures, draw diagrams or charts to aid in remembering information in textbooks or during lectures at school. The mind is very effective in remembering visual details and recalling images, even images long-forgotten.
If you want to boost your memory, start by finding ways to reduce stress. When you experience stress, your body release cortisol. This hormone reduces the ability of your brain to recall old memories or store new ones. By reducing your stress levels, you can reduce the amount of cortisol in your system and in turn improve your memory.
When it comes to memory a lot of times people find themselves having trouble remembering “boring” information such as phone numbers or addresses. The best way to make this information part of your long term memory is to store it in your mind in a way that is easy for it to retrieve later on, this means attaching an emotional connection to it so that your brain saves it in more than one area.
As mentioned above, our lives are filled with so much information that we have to take special effort to remember specific events or pieces of information. With the advice from this article, however, you should be better equipped to hold more information in your mind. Now go out there and learn something new!
