Six Ways to Improve your Memory: Exercise Methods for the Brain

We have all struggled with our ability to remember at some point in life. Student or senior, a failing memory is a frustrating and rather frightening experience, but there are ways to remedy even the most forgetful phase.

Let's put my "memory" to the test:

Minimize Distractions

1. In order for information to be retained long term then you must be able to process it without distractions. For example, if you are trying to read, with the TV on and someone talking in the background, chances are that you are not going to be able to recall what you have read about very well. When you are reading or taking in information that you want to be able to remember, make sure that you are in a quiet secluded setting where you won't be interrupted. Chances are, you will only have to read it once! Much more efficient, no?

Create Associations

2. When I was in school, one of my teachers suggested using mnemonic devices as a technique to aid in recall. Simply put, I tried to remember the information that I was taking in by associating it with something trivial, like a rhyme, a color, a song or something funny. With lots of concentration and practice, this really works and I had a system of attaching my own picture or visual cue to challenging words or concepts.

~ An example of this in every day life would be remembering telephone numbers (let's just assume that you "forgot" your "smart" phone because you hadn't read my hub on memory yet....). When someone gives you their phone number you can create a bizarre story about the person using the words below. I know this may sound like a complicated recall system but you can adapt it to work for you by using your own buzz words or events in your own life. Try it for yourself sometime and see if it helps!?

1 - cat

2 - twins

3 - baseball

4 - door

5 - mitten

6 - sticks

7 - heaven

8 - octopus

9 - work

10 - toes

Consistency

3. Studies have shown than taking in information on a more regular basis, like reading for two hours each day is far superior to a reading blitz the night before a test. The brain is able to recall data taken in during several shorter "learning" sessions as opposed to a stressful one night lengthy study marathon.

Visualize

4. Some people benefit from visualizing the new information, perhaps drawing charts, graphs, pictures, etc. so that it works its way into your long-term memory! Check out these Mind-maps for a fun way to remember, especially suited for those with a creative streak.

5. Likewise, by reading aloud, discussing or better yet teaching these new ideas or information to others, it is much more likely to become part of your long term, more permanent memory and a snap to recall.

Brain Work Out Routine

6. Another thing that improves your ability to remember is by keeping your mind active. Use it or loose it therapy. Like anything that we don't exercise, our brain can become out of shape, a bit flabby! Keep it toned by playing challenging games, alone or with friends: chess, crossword puzzles, card games, writing, sign up for debates, give presentations, teach a class, anything that challenges you and makes you want to "think fast" will aid in a quick wit and improve your memory power!