Memory is the process of recalling learned or experienced information. The two types of memory are short-term and long-term. According to Help Guide, short-term memory is your mind's ability to remember small pieces of information for a few minutes. Your long-term memory allows you to consciously recall important information. If your memory is deteriorating, you may be processing information ineffectively. If this is the case, there are games and exercises that can help improve your memory.
If your memory problems affect your ability to function normally, consult your physician.
Story-Telling
The career skills website Mind Tools recommends making up stories to help improve your long-term memory. Lay out a group of random objects and make up a story that connects the objects to each other. Make the story funny or overly dramatic, and try to visualize it. Put the objects away and test yourself. Recite the story back to yourself and see how many of the objects you remember.
The next time you are in a situation in which you need to remember a string of facts, create a story that incorporates all those facts.
Board Games
Board games serve more purposes than entertainment on a rainy day. They can help strengthen your memory. Many board games, like Scrabble and Parcheesi, can help retain your sharp memory or fight memory loss, claims the website Life123. The site suggests playing Scrabble as a way to improve short-term and long-term memory. Parcheesi stimulates both sides of your brain.
A memory-boosting game you can play solo is a crossword puzzle. According to Life123, crossword puzzles sharpen your short-term and long-term memory. The site suggests that puzzlers cheat if you get stuck. A little help on one answer can lead to many more answers. The point is to exercise your memory.
Memory Lane
A sentimental game to play that can warm your heart and sharpen your memory is to take a trip down memory lane. Take out a photo album and look at pictures of trips you took or special occasions in your life. Recall as many details about each event as you can. Look at the same pictures everyday and try to remember the same details, but also try to add a new memories from that event.
Mnemonic Devices
A mnemonic device is a catchy way to help you remember something. Mind Tools describes mnemonic devices as a form of encoding information to make it easier to remember. It can be fun to create mnemonic devices.
The three principles behind creating effective mnemonic devices are imagination, association and location. When you have something difficult to remember, rephrase it in a creative way, like a poem or a silly sentence. Associate the items that you have to remember with each other. In your mind, picture them piled on top of each other or floating around each other. Finally, place the objects in a pleasant place, like your favorite city or favorite place to visit, such as the zoo or the beach.
