Ways to Improve Your Memory
Eight Easy Steps to Better Total Recall Skills, Better Remembering
Mar 3, 2009
Memory is a skill that must be cultivated and practiced. Anyone can learn to improve their skills at learning, problem solving and, of course, remembering.
But to improve memory requires some practice and patience. From infancy onward, many have simply learned bad memory habits that they maintain throughout life.
Mistakenly, many people believe they have a poor capacity to remember experiences, facts and information in life. Yet the power to use the mind and to improve memory is readily available; it's just a matter of changing the methods used to remember and recall.
When used efficiently, a good memory can enhance every stage in life, secure a better job with better pay and improve relationships with family and friends. Memory is an integral part of life. While it's not necessary (or even possible, in some cases) to cultivate the superior mental powers of a Harry Lorayne, there are some things that will help spur memory improvement.
Pay Attention to Improve Memory
Many people simply don't pay attention due to distractions. This is one reason why most people can't remember where they put an object. They never took the time to concentrate on what they were doing. It's likely the mind was focused on something else, like a personal dilemma or a phone call.
It's impossible to forget something that hasn't been remembered in the first place, so pay attention and focus.
Better Memory Through Playing the Association Game
Association works well when trying to remember something intangible, like a person's name or a shopping list.
Simply put, using association to improve memory means associating a familiar object to the unfamiliar in some ridiculous fashion; creating meaning where no meaning previously existed.
A name is hard to recall, but it can be broken down into understandable parts. For example, a name such as Helzinger means nothing unless an association is made of a singer doing a performance in front of the devil in that place where bad people go. Making an association between objects and noting the number of objects will help with the recollection of a shopping list.
Link the Object to A Situation or Circumstance
A familiar smell, a piece of music playing in the background often helps to recall an event that happened long ago. Making a conscious link between what needs to be remembered with familiar surroundings can help one to recall it later.
Scanning and Remembering Important Facts
Too many people think that in order to really remember well, everything must be memorized word-for-word. This is impossible to do.
Whether it's a speech or reading the facts in a report or document, the best way to remember is to scan the material for the important points that must be remembered. Supporting details can be linked or associated with the major points.
Replay the Scene to Trigger a Memory
Replaying a scene in the mind's eye is a good technique to use when that letter or those keys disappear.
Retracing the steps that were taken can often trigger the memory of where that letter was misplaced.
Physical Movement As a Memory Technique
Physical movement may not appear to have anything to do with memory, but a sudden thought can pop into the mind while doing some activity. Much has to do with that physical activity. It helps get circulation going and moves oxygen to the brain that can trigger a sudden memory that was long forgotten.
Play a Mental Game to Improve Memory
The mind needs as much exercise as the body if it is to stay sharp and focused. Playing some form of mental games can help improve both concentration and memory. Word puzzles such as crosswords, playing a game of chess or a challenge with a logic game such as Sudoku can help improve memory skills.
Remember By Resting the Mind
When all else fails, give the mind a rest and let it help toward locating that misplaced item or something forgotten. The mind is not burdened with the thousands of thoughts and worries that occur throughout the day, so sleep can help focus it on finding solutions to any problem. Give it the instructions to recall and trust in the mind's ability to come to a solution at daybreak.
It takes practice to develop a good memory as with anything worthwhile. These techniques can help improve those latent abilities, sharpen the mind and keep it healthy every waking day. These skills will have the advantage of amazing friends who haven't cultivated the same skills while they busy themselves with trying to remember where they put that pencil behind their ears.
 |
