Forgot where you put your car keys?
Well, we can’t find them for you, unfortunately, but you are in the right place if you want to improve your memory and focus, which may prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future!
Probably not, but we’ll try our best anyway!
What is memory?
Memory refers to the processes that are used to acquire, store, retain, and later retrieve information. Memory can be thought of as a sort of “internal database” that helps us store and recall information.
There are different types of memory, including short-term memory, which holds information for a relatively brief period of time, and long-term memory, which can store information for an extended period.
Why is it important to improve your memory?
Memory is an important aspect of cognitive function and is essential for learning, problem-solving, and adapting to new situations.
It’s something that we use from beginning to end and a good memory can help you learn and retain new information, be more productive and efficient, communicate effectively, and maintain your independence as you age.
6 Benefits of having a good memory:
- Improved academic performance:
A good memory can help you excel in school, as it enables you to remember important information for exams and assignments. - Enhanced problem-solving skills:
Being able to recall past experiences and lessons can help you approach problems with a new perspective and come up with creative solutions. - Stronger communication skills:
Having a good memory allows you to accurately recall and recount events and conversations, which can be helpful in both personal and professional situations. - Better decision-making abilities:
A good memory can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options and make informed decisions based on past experiences. - Greater mental agility:
Being able to recall information quickly and easily can help you stay sharp and adapt to new situations more easily. - Increased self-confidence:
Having a good memory can give you confidence in your ability to remember and retain information, which can translate to increased self-confidence in other areas of your life.
Improving your memory has a number of fantastic benefits for your personal and professional life. It is linked to intelligence and is something that you will be using for the entirety of your life.
Now let’s look at how to cultivate one!
15 Practical tips & techniques to improve memory
We all use our memory on a daily basis, but once we leave school and university, and unless you are in an academic career, few people actively seek to improve this aspect of their lives. We are going to be looking at some simple and practical tools and techniques that will not only help you to improve your memory but help you improve in other aspects of your life too!
15 Practical things you can do to improve your memory today:
- Read daily:
The more you read, the larger your capacity for storing information becomes, this allows you to increase the size of your database for storing characters and connecting threads, repeat this over the course of a few hundred books, and eventually you have a library in your mind!
Additionally, reading helps your ability to form and recognize patterns. We create our own schemata of how the world works and expanding this model allows you to sort and classify information according to utility. This practical application will allow you to supercharge your ability and dramatically improve your memory! - Practice repetition:
Just as with reading, repetition works. Combining the two and repeating important information out loud or to yourself or others can help reinforce the memory trace. A large part of mastering memory is using your other senses and abilities to create pathways and associations. - Use mnemonic devices:
Mnemonic devices are techniques that help you remember information by associating it with something else that is easier to remember. For example, you can use the acronym ROY G. BIV to remember the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
There is a great book by Josuha Foer, called Moonwalking with Einstein that explores the world of memory athletes and grandmasters and what we understand about memory in a whole new light! - Make connections by memorizing a deck of cards:
Borrowing from the previously mentioned Moonwalking with Einstein, a good and fun exercise to try out is to use the techniques described in the book and apply them yourself, by following this video, you should get the practice down within 15 minutes.
Definitely give this a go, the results will definitely surprise you with how easy, and fun it is! - Create a memory palace:
Closely related to memorizing a deck of cards, but with so many more applications, learning to construct mind palaces is one of the most interesting things you can do to improve your memory!
Here is another link to the memory expert Ron White’s introduction to memory palaces. - Learn a new language:
As a polyglot myself, I cannot stress enough the new worlds that open up to you when you have mastery over multiple languages. It changes the way people interact with you, and if that wasn’t beneficial enough, is a fantastic way to improve your memory. It’s all about expanding your databases.
You can check out apps like Babble or my personal favorite, Memrise, which was founded by Ed Cooke, a memory grandmaster who is also featured in Moonwalking with Einstein! - Kick your Google Maps habit:
I’ve got nothing against Google maps, however, if you want to develop your spatial memory, then you might have to risk getting lost a few times.
Work out your route beforehand, and then spend time observing your surroundings on your way to your destination, it may sound strange, but remember that people navigated using urban map books for years before the GPS was around - Try memory supplements:
Some supplements, such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and Ginkgo Biloba, have been shown to have potential memory-enhancing effects, you can read more about it on Rocking Ratings, which reviews a wide array of supplements and their effects.
It is, however, very important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, always do your own research! - Memory games and brainteasers:
Games and puzzles that challenge your memory can help improve its function, playing games like Sudoku, memory match, or even just plain old crossword puzzles, stimulate the areas of the brain that are related to memory and have been linked to preventing the onset of dementia. - Use the chaining technique to create schemata:
This technique involves linking new information to something you already know, creating a chain of memories. You can learn more about it on the How Stuff Works website.
Forming schemata remains one of the most important parts of improving long-term memory, and by using the chaining technique to link up various pieces of information, you will be teaching yourself an invaluable tool to use going forward!
The next 5 are not tools are techniques, in fact, there is nothing fancy about them, but don’t be fooled by this. These 5 are some of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your memory and applying them adds great benefit not only to memory but to almost all aspects of life!
- Stay hydrated:
Dehydration can negatively affect cognitive function, so make sure you’re drinking enough water. - Eat a healthy diet:
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can support brain health and improve memory. - Get enough sleep:
Adequate sleep is essential for memory consolidation, so be sure to get plenty of rest. - Exercise regularly:
Physical activity has been shown to improve brain function and enhance memory. - Reduce stress:
Chronic stress can impair memory, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or other relaxation techniques. Practice mindfulness: Being present at the moment and fully focusing on the information you are trying to remember can help improve your memory.
Just because they seem simple, don’t underestimate the last 5 mentioned here, more than any games or techniques, these are the foundation of cultivating a good memory and improving focus.
When a car gets looked after well and regularly serviced, it not only performs better but is less likely to give you any trouble, the body works exactly the same, twice the results, with half the effort!
Maximize your memory potential
You have everything you need to improve your memory! This remains one of the best investments and most foundational practices you can incorporate to become more successful at navigating life!
This may not stop you from losing your car keys, but it will start you on a rewarding journey of self-improvement filled with interesting information and new experiences. Put in the effort and you will get rewarded, but most importantly, remember to:
Have fun!
This alone will maximize your results and make you much more likely to get great results by improving your memory!
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