Almost everyone can use some strategies and tips to help improve their memories. You may be a student striving for high test scores, a business person giving a speech, a senior citizen who has experienced some slowing brain function or an accident victim who needs mental therapy to get the brain back into shape. An article on the Harvard Health Publications website claims that most people can improve their memories by following some strategies.
Sleep and Relaxation
According to Dr. Bernard Croisile in an article on the Brain Fitness for Life website, getting enough sleep helps your memory stay sharp. Most adults need approximately seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Find ways to relax and lower stress. Croisile claims that meditation helps thicken the part of the brain that affects the memory. Yoga and tai chi can help you relax through meditation and focusing on your core while making slow, intentional movements.
Proper Nutrition
A healthy diet feeds the mind as well as the body. Increase the B vitamins, antioxidants and foods with omega-3 fatty acids to give your brain the food it needs to stay strong and healthy. Fatty fish, avocados, blueberries, citrus, leafy greens and walnuts are also known as "brain food."
Physical Fitness
Exercise daily to increase your blood circulation. The blood contains oxygen that is necessary for proper brain function. Take deep, cleansing breaths to raise your oxygen intake. According to the Self Improvement Advice website, anything that is good for your body is most likely good for your brain.
Brain Workout
Keep your brain functioning at top performance levels by doing brain exercises. Work on games and puzzles that make you think and require logic. Some brain fitness exercises include jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, word searches, computer games and chess.
Be a Student
For a stronger memory, keep your mind active by learning new things. Take classes, learn a new language, travel to places you've never been and read. According to the Self Improvement Advice website, both your memory and self confidence will improve.
Use the Senses
Incorporate your learning style into your memory improvement program. While trying to remember something, use the learning technique of involving the senses. Visual learners may benefit by reading the material. Auditory learners may need to hear whatever it is they need to remember. Use a recorder if you need to hear it. Relate anything you want to commit to memory to smells, tastes, textures and colors, advises the Help Guide website.
Incorporate Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are hints to help stimulate your memory, advises the article on the Help Guide website. This may include remembering a person's name by associating something that sounds similar, such as a microphone for someone named Mike. You can associate a string of letters or use acronyms to remember sentences, musical notes or anything else you need to memorize. Other mnemonic devices include jokes, rhymes, songs and landmarks.
