Strengthen your cognitive skills and learn valuable tips for increasing your memory capacity. While it may seem that there is nothing you can do to strengthen your memory as you age, there are actually a number of strategies you can adopt. This will ensure that your mind stays sharp, no matter what situation faces you and no matter how long you have lived.
Try writing things down to make it easier to remember. Your brain area that controls memory functions will receive blood flow, and memories will thus be exercised. Great ways to put this technique to work include writing in a diary or journal, keeping up a written correspondence with a friend, of making extensive use of planners or written schedules.
A good way to keep your mind and memory sharp is to challenge yourself daily with brain exercises. This is analogous to the exercise you do to strengthen your muscles. Regular mental exercise can result in improved memory and the increased ability to concentrate and focus. There is a diversity of games that are mentally stimulating. Among the best are word games, like word search and crossword puzzles.
One of the most popular ways to commit information to your long-term memory is to utilize one of many different mnemonic devices. Consider this analogy: Mnemonic devices relate to memory much like quick, shorthand writing is used by writers. When you correlate a word with a certain piece of knowledge, you have a roadmap for your memory.
Mnemonic Devices
If remembering obligations or tasks is hard for you, jog your memory with sticky notes. Place them in areas you freqently look at, like near a cell phone or computer. These sticky notes will ensure that you do not forget important things.
If you want to remember information for long periods of time, develop some association strategies, or mnemonic devices, to help you. Shorthand writing is to writers the way mnemonic devices are to memory. You associate memories with pre-arranged symbolic maps, which makes retrieving the memory much easier.
To start improving your memory, avoid unpleasant and negative thoughts. People who suffer from depression are stressed out or have a negative outlook on life don’t remember things as well as people who are basically happy. Speak with a medical professional about safe and effective methods for relieving stress.
Just like your muscles, you must use your brain to keep it in good shape. Many studies have shown that puzzles and mental stimulation even help fight senility.
Among the most effective memory building techniques is physical exercise. Exercising increases blood flow to your brain, which preserves cognitive function. Memory is centered in your brain and maintaining good health is essential to increasing your maximum brain function. Exercise has the added advantage of lowering your risk of diseases, like diabetes, which impair memory as a secondary effect.
Memory games can help hone your memory. Memory games are not only fun, they can boost your memory skills. Furthermore, memory games allow you to develop your ability to focus and concentrate. Search online to find websites that provide free memory games that you can play on your computer.
Try to play memory games to sharpen your skills. These games are engaging and entertaining and have the added benefit of improving your long-term memory. Memory games have the added benefit of helping to steady your concentration, and lengthen your attention span. It is possible to play some memory games on the Internet at no cost.
Try to get more quality sleep time. Getting some sleep will help both your short term and long term memory. A tired mind has greater trouble recalling facts and figures. Sleep longer at night or get some naps to improve your memory.
To improve memory retention, try fish oil. If you find that your memory is sorely lacking, this could be due to a shortage of Omega-3 consumption in your diet. This can easily be fixed by taking it as a pill supplement.
Make new information stick by learning it in a new place. Switching up your surroundings is an easy way to make your mind and memory more alert. You will jog your brain awake once it notices your location change, and once awake, your brain will be able to more effectively process information into memories.
Social activity is critical for optimizing your memory. You will learn to stay alert, and have positive thoughts. Depression or loneliness result in less stimulating activities for the mind and brain cells. Memory cells will be strengthened during engaging conversation with other people.
Having a good social life is recommended if you want to retain a strong memory capacity. Humans are genetically predisposed for social interaction, so your spirits will remain high while your mind remains alert. When you feel depressed or lonely, your mind lacks stimulation and brain cells become dormant. Engaging in stimulating conversation with others will keep your mind going and memory better.
Take a few moments to link the information that needs to be memorized to something that has already been committed to memory. Making a strong connection to information already in your memory greatly enhances the likelihood that you will be able to recall it for a long time. These relational exercises should help you develop a better memorization process.
By incorporating the tactics delineated above into your life, you can keep your mind nimble and ready for any challenge. A sharper memory can help you connect faster in social situations or at work. Apply the suggestions of this article to your daily living to increase your effectiveness and your ability to be involved with life and what you love about it.
Memory loss is a tragic, but common occurrence for an aging mind. Prescription medicines are the one of the best tools to prevent memory loss, particularly in patients suffering from dementia.