If you’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting a lot of things recently, whether it’s forgetting where you left your keys or blanking out during important tests, then you’ve likely wished to have a better memory. Luckily, there are numerous ways to help you keep your mind sharp and your memory up to date.
Before your next duty at the local carpentry supply and sign store or the next term exam you have, be sure to check out some of these tried and tested tips to improve your memory ten-fold.
Give Your Brain A Workout
The most vital thing you can do to improve your memory is by giving your mind a “workout.” When you reach adulthood, your brain has likely created billions of neural pathways to help you process and remember information fast, allowing you to solve familiar issues and do habitual tasks with minimal effort. However, when you stick to these pathways, you aren’t giving your brain the stimulation it needs to continue developing. So, make sure to shake things up from time to time.
So, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar or draw, now’s the best time to do it — allowing you to discover a new passion while sharpening your mind.
Focus Your Attention
Attention is one of the crucial components of a good memory. For information to remain in your long-term memory, you need to attend to it actively. For instance, try to study in a distraction-free place, one without television, music, or other diversions. So, try setting aside a short period alone, away from everyone, giving you more time to focus. Whether it’s your kids or roommates, ask for some space to focus on studying or work.
Don’t Forget Exercising Physically
Although mental exercise is essential for your brain’s health, that shouldn’t mean you don’t need to train your body physically. Physical exercise can help your mind stay sharp by increasing your brain’s oxygen intake, reducing your risks of developing short- or long-term memory loss, common in disorders like diabetes or heart-related diseases. Moreover, physical activities also improve the effects of helpful brain chemicals, especially in neuroplasticity, increasing growth factor production, and creating new neural connections.
The best brain-boosting exercise you can try is aerobic exercises as it gets your blood pumping and increases the oxygen going to your brain, including jogging or going on the treadmill.
Repeat What You Know
When you want to remember a phrase or music you’ve recently encountered, repeat it out loud or jot it down on your notes. Doing this helps you reinforce the memory in your mind. For instance, if someone introduced themselves to you, use it when speaking with them, such as saying, “So Raul, where did you meet Joy?”
Space It Out
Repetition is the most vital learning tool you can have when you correctly time it. It’s wise not to repeatedly memorize something numerous times in a short time, like when cramming for an exam. So, re-study the information you need to know after a more extended period — start from once an hour, then every couple of hours to days. Spacing out these study periods is useful when mastering complex information like the details of a new assignment or project at work.
A robust memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you’re a student studying for a term exam or a working professional that wants to do better at work, any of the tips mentioned can help improve your memory — and overall mental performance.
