Don't Forget These Memory Tips!
The saying "memories last a lifetime" can only stay true if you train your brain properly. If you think you're a forgetful person, there are many things you can do to keep sharp. From anti-inflammatory foods to jigsaw puzzles, here are ways to improve your memory.
1. Never Stop Learning
When you learn something new, you're challenging your brain and strengthening its memory capacity while you're at it. The more you learn, the more your memory is improving. Any new skill counts, from teaching yourself a new language to learning how to make pottery.
2. Repeat Repeat, Retrieve
You're more likely to remember new information if you repeat it out loud. It's common practice to study for tests and exams this way, where students repeat bits of information many times until they remember it. Repetition is more effective if you practice retrieving the information without looking at it after taking a break.
3. Try Mnemonics
Mnemonics is fun to say and a fun way to boost your memory. Mnemonics are methods used to simplify memorizing. These strategies include acronyms, abbreviations, rhymes, and songs.
4. Consume Less Added Sugar
We're constantly being told that refined sugar is bad for us and here's another reason. Studies have shown that eating a lot of food with added sugar reduces memory. A healthy, well-balanced diet is important for your memory capacity as well as everything else.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Clearing your head helps your brain in so many ways. Meditation and mindfulness practices help improve memory because it decreases stress and promotes clarity and concentration. You can mediate in several ways from yoga to watching the waves.
6. Make Information “Chunks”
It's much easier to remember a lot of information when you break it down into smaller chunks. Chunking information makes memorizing more manageable and doesn't overwhelm you. Phone numbers are a great example where we break them up into three smaller numbers.
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7. Use All Five Senses
You're more likely to retain information if use more than one of your senses while you're learning something. It's easier on the brain to remember something when it's triggered by several senses. You can memorize a recipe easier if you don't just pay attention to taste but also smells and textures.
8. Think Before You Google
We rely Google to give us answers in seconds. You're not going to help your memory if you immediately to turn to a search engine for help. Take a moment to think about what information you're seeking before you open the Google app on your phone.
9. Write It Down
Organization helps your noggin remember things easier. Write down lists or take notes to refer back to when you're studying. Writing down information is another method of repetition that strengthens your memory.
10. Ditch The GPS
Try to drive without your GPS whenever you can. It's handy to rely on if you're traveling somewhere new but you'll help your memory if you try to navigate without it. You're forced to use your brain rather than let something else take the wheel.
11. Space Out Your Studying
We've all been there at crunch time. You try to cram an exuberant amount of information all at once right before the exam. It's more efficient and effective to space out your studying. You won't overload your brain with too much at once and breaks actually help prolong your focus and mental capacity.
12. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Sleep is very important for your memory to function. When you're tired, you're more likely to forget. Try to make sleep a priority when you can if you want to keep your mind sharp and active.
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13. Play Brain Games
Want to improve your memory? Go play! Brain games are games that force you to use several parts of your noggin. Chess, jigsaw puzzles, and crosswords are great examples but there are hundreds of others.
14. Get Your Vitamins
Try to include many vitamins in your daily diet. Vitamin D is particularly important for your brain's function and health. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to memory loss and other cognitive issues.
15. Exercise Your Brain
Memory is like a muscle, the more you train it, the stronger it gets. The most beneficial exercises for your brain are doing things that break routine or are challenging. It's like a workout for your brain that leads to understanding and absorbing information easier. When it comes to memory, you must use it or you'll lose it.
16. Exercise Your Body
Physical exercise is also just as important as a mental workout. Some folks think lifting weights is for bulging biceps but it also enhances your cognitive functions too. Moving your body increases oxygen in your brain which is responsible for reducing disorders and diseases that could deplete your memory.
17. Stay Social
Want to keep your brain sharp? Make it social! Science has proven that socializing with friends benefits our brains for many reasons and memory is one them. There are many ways to socialize. You can join a club, call your friends on the phone, or play a team activity.
18. High Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Include as many anti-inflammatory foods in your diet as you can. These super foods have proven to keep your mind sharp. Start snacking on berries, steep some ginger tea, and sprinkle seeds on your leafy salads.
19. Manage Stress
Less stress means more memories! It can be very hard to manage stress but there are so many tactics out there you can try.
Find a coping strategy that is best for you that decreases your stress and anxiety, your brain and body will thank you.
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20. Chocolate & Coffee
Maybe we saved the best advice for last? Did you know chocolate and coffee can be helpful for your memory? Of course, we're talking about good quality dark chocolate made with cocoa and brew made from natural coffee beans. Cocoa is an antioxidant and caffeinated coffee, in moderation, can enhance your memory.
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