Brain surgeons have discovered that we retain a memory of every sensory impression received in our lives. But as we age, we may have increasing difficulty in bringing these memories to the surface when we need them. We know the information is stored in our brain. Here are some tips to help tap into this reservoir.
Brain-challenging games can be an enjoyable way to get your memory in high gear. This concept is much like the way athletes exercise to keep their muscles in shape. Regular mental exercise can result in improved memory and the increased ability to concentrate and focus. Good memory games are crossword puzzles, brain teasers or puzzles, and word searches.
If you are having memory problems, try taking fish oil. Recent studies have shown a link between problems with concentration and memory and a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids. One of the best Omega-3 sources is fish oil. You can either take the oil in the liquid form by the spoonful, or opt for fish oil pills instead.
If you find yourself having difficulty remembering some things, try to use acronyms or tricks called mnemonics to help you remember. An example of this is to use Roy G. Biv to remember the colors of the rainbow as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. These types of tricks can really improve your memory.
One easy and effective way to help your memory is by writing things down. This process increases the flow of blood to the brain, particularly the areas associated with memory, and forces you to use it. You can drastically improve your memory when you keep a journal or other detailed documentation.
If you find yourself having difficulty recalling information, take a deep breath and relax. Sometimes all you need is a bit more time to allow your memory to retrieve the information. Feeling pressed for time can result in stress that inhibits the recall process. Remember that the older you are, the longer it takes to retrieve information from the memory.
Like an actor does before putting on a play, rehearsing what you learn is a great way to improve your memory. If you are attempting to study, recite the problems and answers aloud, and you will absorb the information easier, and ultimately, retain it more efficiently. This is a great way to improve your overall memory.
Visualizing yourself recalling information is actually a great way in which you can work to recall information. You are basically training your brain to be able to memorize items when you foresee yourself dipping into that memory bank to pull them out at a later date. Think of it like visualizing your hand turning a doorknob before you actually turn it.
One method you can use to help you commit things to memory is to use mnemonic devices. A mnemonic device is a simple technique to aid recall of information you are trying to remember. You might develop a rhyme, a joke or a joke to help you remember a piece of information. An example of a common mnemonic is “1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue”. You can utilize this same type of rhyming scheme to help you remember a specific date or term.
Avoid smoking cigarettes to keep your memory from being negatively affected. Studies have shown that the memory of smokers suffers more than compared to non-smokers. You probably didn’t need yet another reason to quit, but maybe this will be the one that lets you finally put down that pack.
Exercise for the mind has been shown to help memory, just like exercise for the body will help muscles! If you enjoy crossword or word search puzzles, do them more often or play a trivia game with friends. Such activity will keep your brain functioning sharper and consequently improve your memory!
If you are a student studying for a test, it is important not to over study. Of course it is natural to want to remember information on the test, but by studying too much you are actually overworking your brain cells, which in turn could cause you to not remember anything.
Remembering and matching names with faces can be very difficult. Focus on the person’s face or a specific feature of their face; then try recalling an anecdote about them. With time and practice people’s names will spring to mind more readily.
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.
We hope these tips will be helpful to you when you go fishing for information in that great reservoir of memory. These are tips others have been able to put to use effectively. You may come up with some of your own. Here’s to a long life and a vivid memory!
