Losing knowledge you thought was permanently locked in your brain, can be extremely frustrating for all people. There are methods you can employ to bring back those memories that are important to you. The following tips will help your information retention and recall abilities.
Coming up with mnemonic devices to help improve memory helps to absorb information for greater periods of time. Think of mnemonic devices for memory in the same way shorthand writing works for writers. You “tag” the thing you want to remember with a helpful image or word that will prompt your memory.
Many people find that writing things down makes it much easier to commit them to memory. This simple action cements the ideas into your brain, by increasing the activity in the parts of your brain associated with memory. 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.
You can help improve your memory by consciously paying attention and not passively listening. Although you might think that you’re paying attention, you might have your mind wandering, in which information is not absorbed efficiently. Clear your thoughts and focus intently on what you’re being told or shown. Consciously think about the information and this can solidify your memory.
Give your full attention to what is happening around you. You may assume you are concentrating and focused, but often people’s minds wander in different directions. This hurts their ability to recall things later. Really think about what you are hearing or seeing. Once the moment has passed, play it over again in your mind to commit it to memory.
Writing small notes to yourself is a great way to remember the things that you need to do. Place them in spots you frequently look at, like by your cell phone or computer. Your notes will be handy to jog your memory when you need to remember something important.
You should write sticky notes if you are having a difficult time remembering things. The notes can then be placed with your designated spot for your keys, phone or computer. These notes will make sure that you don’t forget things that are important.
Just like your muscles, you must use your brain to keep it in good shape. Research shows puzzles can ward off senility.
Anything that exercises memory, such as crossword puzzles or games, can strengthen your ability to remember. A lot of games are both fun and good for your memory skills. Other than your memory, these games often improve focus, attention and concentration. Do an online search for memory games that can be played for free online.
Memory can be retained when you exercise. When you exercise, the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain is improved, and this keeps your brain healthy. Memory is centered in your brain and maintaining good health is essential to increasing your maximum brain function. Exercise also helps memory long-term by keeping you from developing diseases like diabetes, which adversely affects brain functioning.
You can add a little fun to your memory games by associating something you’re trying to remember with a song, saying or mental picture. A humorous association tagged onto someone’s name will help you remember it later on.
Stay socially active to keep your memory healthy. This works to keep you alert, and your spirits high. When you feel depressed or lonely, your mind lacks stimulation and brain cells become dormant. Memory cells will be strengthened during engaging conversation with other people.
Make liberal use of planners and calendaring tools. Keep a planner with you throughout the day to keep track of any appointments or events you must attend. Write down a schedule and look at it every now and then. By recording things on paper and reading over them, you will be aiding your mind. There will be less that you have to remember because you’ll have a reminder.
Try visualizing the ideas you need to remember. For example, graphics, charts and graphs are highly effective tools for linking facts with images. It may be easier for you to construct your own visual aids to help you learn.
Say things out loud. When you are introduced to a person, repeat their name out loud if you can. By repeating these things out loud for you to hear will ensure you remember this information for future use. You can even repeat it to yourself over and over again.
Retelling stories to someone else can be a great way to increase your own memory skills. As an example, if the details about teaching one of your grandchildren how to swim are becoming fuzzy, it helps to tell as many people as you can about the event. Retelling something makes the memories associated with it stronger, and thus harder to forget.
Adequate Sleep
You should always be learning, even if you’re well out of school. If you let your knowledge base stagnate, you are not exercising the brain regions that form new memories. Then, when you have to recall something, you might discover that it is difficult for you.
It is important to always get adequate sleep each night. Research has shown that adequate sleep can be a major factor of memory retention. If you’re having trouble staying focused, you are also going to have trouble committing recent occurrences to your long-term memory.
Try saying things out loud to yourself. When you learn anything new, such as a persons name, repeat it to yourself outloud. By repeating these things, you will hear it, thus, storing it in your mind. If you can, repeat it out loud over and over again.
It was stated that these tips would help you to recall the information that is in your memory when you need it. Hopefully these tips will help you to find the way to do just that. It will make things in your life much easier and less frustrating than it was when you forgot it all.
When you know you will need to recall information, try putting on some classical music. Classical music can be soothing and relaxing to the mind, and can also help with memory improvement. Try taking a warm bath and lighting some candles, while listening to classical music.