Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Make Your Memory Work For You With These Ideas

As you age, your memory is likely to suffer. No matter how old you are, however, there are many different ways you can work to strengthen your memory. If you read this article, you will find that there are lots of things you can do to remember things just like you used to.

When you have to remember something, try coming up with a mnemonic device to help you to retain it. Mnemonics help you to remember information by using words as tools. For example, if remembering names is not your strong point, then associating the names of your new neighbors Mike and Michelle, with the candy M&M, might give you a nudge the next time you see them.

You can better your memory while studying by consistently learning the material at the same time daily over several sessions. This strategy gives you more time to think about what you've learned, and remember it. Research has demonstrated that the people who use this strategy can remember what they've learned much better than the people who tried to learn it all in a cram session.

Meditation can improve memory function and brain elasticity, while improving your health and relieving stress. A simple way to approach meditation is to focus on your breathing. Focus on breathing deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Try to spend half an hour in meditation every day for the best results.

Your library should have a good selection of books on memory improvement that you can borrow. Look for books written by well-known experts, as they may contain valuable exercises and tips for enhancing your ability to retain and recall information.

When you have to remember something, try using silly phrases, images or songs to memorize it. Utilizing humorous elements in order to enliven the information will help you remember it down the road.

To keep your mind at its prime, regularly exercise it. Concocting games for your brain to engage in can help brain cells stay active and improve memory. Even making small changes in your daily routine can fight off signs of brain atrophy. Pick up a new musical instrument, or try a new hobby. Your memory will stay strong when you stimulate your mind daily.

A great tip for improving memory is to pay attention. When you meet someone for the first time, try to imagine how to spell their name in your mind or ask them about the spelling. Say their name is Megan, ask them if there is an "a" between the "e" and "g". You can then make a pleasant comment or observation about the name in order to commit it more thoroughly into your memory. Try using it a few times during the conversation to really make a difference, and you will be sure to remember it later.

Too much stress can make it easy to forget important information. Make sure to relax if you are in an environment where learning new information is critical to success. Instead of quickly becoming upset with yourself, allow some time to recall the information.

Exercise regularly to really improve your memory. Just a bit of exercise everyday will be a big help.

Stress can make you forgetful. You need to relax in order to learn new things and when trying to remember old things. Take your time and allow yourself a while to recall the information. Try not to get anxious or lose patience with yourself.

Create connections between new information and what you already know to improve your memory. The information your short term memory processes is more likely to transfer into a long term memory if you associate it with something you are familiar with.

Practicing deep breathing several times a day can help your memory. At least once an hour, breathe deeply through the nose three times. This should help you relax, and oxygenate your brain. The excess oxygen helps keep your brain sharp and improves your capability to remember and recall.

A good way to remember complex information is to form pictures in your mind related to information you want to master. When studying for a class, for instance, pay special attention to the charts and graphs in the textbook. Also look at the photographs. If graphs, images or charts are absent, create your own.

It is very common to feel anxious or exasperated with hints of memory impairment, but you have many options. By following the tricks given in this article, you will find yourself being able to recall things much faster. With practice and patience you can maintain and even improve your memory.

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