Improving your memory is not difficult. In fact, unless you have a medical condition that requires professional help to improve memory function, all you have to do is learn more effective ways of processing new information and start some new habits that will keep your mind strong and healthy.
Exercise Your Brain
Although the word "exercise" may evoke images of panting and copious amounts of sweat, brain exercise is much different. The key concept of brain exercise is to do something meaningful in a new and different way to stimulate the brain to develop new pathways and connections. This can include things that may seem extremely simple and even a bit silly, like writing with the opposite hand, getting dressed with closed eyes or taking a different way to work in the morning. Although these things seem simple and not much like "exercise" at all, they engage the brain in a new way and can activate new brain circuits and increase neurotrophic production, explains Lawrence C. Katz on his website Neurobics.com.
Focus
It seems obvious, but focusing intently on something goes a long way in improving your ability to remember it. When attempting to remember something specific, avoid distractions and multitasking. Full attention should be given only to the task at hand.
Experience New Information
Getting more than one of the five senses involved will help make remembering something easier. For example, instead of just looking at an object, try feeling it or even smelling it. Instead of just reading information, try writing it or reading the words aloud. The more senses that are involved, the more ways the brain has of remembering the information.
Review Frequently
Repetition can also increase the likelihood of remembering something. You may feel confident in your ability to remember a particular piece of information and think reviewing the information is unnecessary. However, doing so will allow the brain to practice retrieving that information until it becomes second nature, which will increase the likelihood of being able to remember that information.
Use Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are tricks people use to help themselves remember information. Using visual images are common, such as picturing a flower to remember the name Lily. You may find a chunking technique useful, particularly when trying to remember numbers. For example, it is easier to remember a phone number with hyphens rather than trying to remember all of the digits together. Rhymes, alliteration and acronyms are other mnemonic devices that are useful in remembering information.
Exercise
Keeping physically active not only keeps the body in shape but the mind as well. Exercise increases blood flow to all areas of the body, including the brain. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Eat Brain Food
The foods people eat can also help improve memory. Cruciferous vegetables, green leafy vegetables, blueberries and unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats may all help improve memory, says Kelly Griffin in "Feed Your Head" on the AARP's website. Drinking fruit and vegetable juices and moderate amounts of alcohol may also help.
Socialize
Getting together with family and friends may be enjoyable but can actually also improve memory, according to the Mayo Clinic. Socializing regularly helps a person avoid becoming stressed or depressed, both of which can contribute to memory loss.
Get Some Sleep
Adequate sleep also may improve your ability to remember. You might think taking a nap may will make you groggy, and so opt for a cup of coffee instead. However, sleep is essential for memory consolidation. A 2008 study by Sara Mednick and colleagues at the University of California-San Diego showed people who had a short nap had better memory than those who took caffeine and stayed awake.
