Tips To Improve Your Memory

A good memory is the best gift someone can have. Many students crave as they give a zillion exams periodically for this asset. Is it possible to improve your memory? Yes! The betterment of your memory depends on you. An ongoing research suggests that the memory can expand by appropriate exercises. This phenomenon is neuroplasticity. Taking care of your mental and physical health will give you the benefit of neuroplasticity. Here are some tips you can use to achieve a good memory.

Strengthen Your Brain

Like other muscles in your body, your brain needs exercise to gain strength. The activities may differ, but the mechanism is the same. Challenge your brain with puzzles or riddles every day. Learn a new language or an instrument of your choice. Sudoku or chess are some popular ways to put your brain at work. A research conducted in 2007 proved this fact.

Repeat To Retrieve

To repeat new learning is the best way to memorise it. When you keep feeding your brain with the same information repeatedly, you remember better. However, simply repeating a piece of information will not give you the desired results. You have to try to reproduce your learning. Test yourself as often as you can. This will help you in two ways – first, you will know the status of your learning. Secondly, your memory will resurface the information it has stored. Retrieving, however, is better than repetition for learning. The effects of the former last longer than later.

Take Help Of Mnemonics

Mnemonics assist the brain in retaining information. Acronyms and abbreviations also have the same effect on memory. Mnemonics, like BODMAS, in mathematics remain in our memories even now. This is because of shortening the information. It is also because of creating an association. Memory looks for similarity to form patterns. These patterns then associate with each other and help us remember better. VIBGYOR is another popular example of a mnemonic. It is a way to learn the sequence of colours that appear in a rainbow.     

Use The Grouping Technique

The mind forms patterns to retain information accurately. Of all patterns, the grouping is the most popular one. It is a pattern of putting similar looking or sounding things together. Grouping of information facilitates better retention for a longer period. This is why we remember 10 digit mobile numbers in groups of three. Our mind automatically groups these numbers in sets of three. It is the mind’s way of creating smaller chunks of information to remember effortlessly. Remember, the chunks can be large, but must be fewer for the best results.

The Six Senses Involvement

Learning is very difficult when you put the entire burden on just one of your six senses. Experts recommend the conscious involvement of all the six senses. This facilitates better learning and retention in a single exposure to stimuli. Try to associate any form of information to colours, smells and tastes. The results of this technique will surprise you.

Give Some Time To Your Mind

What do you do when you are unable to remember something? You Google it, right? Most of us do that. This, however, will not enhance your memory in any way. Instead, it will take away whatever little retention skills you gained previously. Technological dependence has made us physically and mentally lazy. It deprives us of good health in both the categories. Next time you are unable to remember something, try recollecting. Think of the last time you saw, read or heard of it. Take your time. Do not rush. It is always difficult to remember things in a hurry or under pressure. Give yourself a minute or two to go rewind a little. You will surely find the information you are looking for.

Food Matters For Memory  

What you eat decides how much and how well you remember. Research proves that the Mediterranean diet, dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) can greatly enhance memory. The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH intervention for the neurodegenerative delay) also works similarly on memory. Plant-based food, chicken, nuts, coconut or olive oil can help improve memory. A moderate amount of red wine also serves the same purpose. Sugar, red meat, cheese and fried food have the exact opposite effect on memory.  These food items cause impairment of hippocampal memory. A recent study proved that a Western diet has negative effects on human memory.

Good Physical Activity Gives Good Memory

Yes, it’s true. There is a connection between physical activity and memory. Research proves that there is a connection between the two aspects of health in many ways. Scientists have found that exercise increases the number of brain cells in the hippocampus area. They have also made it clear that exercise need not be very exhaustive. Something as simple as walking can give you the results.

Stress Takes Away Memory

Stress is very bad for your memory. It is a proven fact. Research in this area of the study revealed some interesting facts. Stress releases hormones like Cortisol. Cortisol robs the mind of its ability to retain the information provided to it. Animal studies show that stress and depression shrink the brain to a great extent. This hampers memory, thinking, reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Now you know how exactly to keep your memory safe. Just follow this easy advice and see the difference for yourself. Once you start a healthy lifestyle, you can never leave it.