Have you ever seen someone at a party, who you have met before, but just could not recall his or her name? This is just an example of a common memory problem for many people. There are many things that you can do to help improve your memory for anything. Read this article to get some ideas.
Keep a running list of the things you want to accomplish each day. As you finish one item, cross it off and move on to the next. Simultaneously, keep adding items at the bottom of the list as they arise. In this way you will never forget what you need to do next.
A key to keeping your memory sharp as a tack is to keep up your social relationships. By surrounding yourself with friends and family, especially those that you consider a great support system, you are helping your memory to stay alive. Research actually shows that those with the most active lifestyle showed the slowest rate of memory loss.
We are more likely to remember something that happens to us when we are around other people than when we are alone. People are drawn to others, as a result we remember our time with them, rather than when we are alone. That's why study groups work so well.
Exercise will help you maintain your memory. The increased blood and oxygen flow to your brain will help to keep your brain healthy. Since your memory is tied to your brain, keeping your body healthy in general can help your memory stay strong. Working out is also a great way to prevent illnesses such as diabetes, which some believe can significantly harm memory.
In order to remember where you put things, it is a good idea to organize your possessions. By having similar items put together, you do not have to worry about scrambling around, looking for things. Also, you can try labeling boxes or storage containers, writing down what is in each box. This is sensible, whether you have a good memory or not.
To successfully remember information, you need to give it your complete and undivided attention. For information to move out of your short-term memory and into your long-term memory, you need to be carefully attending to it. Be sure that you read and study in a quiet place without any other distractions.
Exercise your body - exercise your brain. By exercising regularly, you increase the amount of oxygen that gets to your brain, and reduce the risk of illnesses that can contribute to memory loss, such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise can also increase the effects of certain chemicals that help the brain to function at its best.
When trying to commit information into your long-term memory, make sure you are in a location with zero distractions. It takes real attention to move information from short-term to long-term memory, and a distracting environment can make the task nearly impossible. Steer clear of areas where there are televisions, radios, crowds or lots of visual stimuli.
A good tip to help improve your memory is to be more social. Studies have shown that our brains respond much better to socializing than if we were alone. People who socialize regularly will enjoy the benefit of a slower memory decline. Try being more social to improve your memory.
Keep lists and write things down but do it in the appropriate place. Keep your addresses and phone numbers written down in a contact book, but keep your shopping list on a specific notepad on the fridge. The act of writing the list will help you remember those items, while knowing where the list is will keep you from forgetting that too!
Keep a positive attitude. If you don't want to or think you can't remember something, you probably won't. Constantly thinking about how bad your memory is can actually make the situation worse. Instead, focus on the good parts of memory and learning, and you'll quickly see an improvement in your skills.
Before you make a commitment to improve your memory, be sure you are all ready to do so and keep an open mind. Some people's memories will not improve because they are not willing to try certain techniques given to them. Tell yourself that with enough hard work, your memory will work fine in no time!
Use all of your senses to help your memorize. All of your senses use different portions of your brain, so you will not have to work as hard to recall the information. Visualize the item, smell it (if you can) and taste it (if it is food). The more effort you put into visualizing the object, the easier it will be to recall.
A great way to improve memory and brain elasticity is to read a large variety of books. Read novels from all eras and places as well as histories, self help books, nonfiction books, and anything else you can find. The different types of information you take in give your brain a workout.
Try not to reminisce with others often. Get togethers with friends and family can be fun. Unfortunately, they can also have a negative impact on your memory. Recalling something with a group can actually alter your memory of an event slightly. Your memory may conform to what everyone else remembers.
Studies have shown that memory retention is much better if regular studying sessions are planned rather than one-off marathon sessions. This gives the brain time to process the information properly. If time is not taken to focus on the materials in a relaxed environment, then it is possible to overlook important items in haste.
Improving your memory can save you from embarrassing situations. As you can see, the techniques are not difficult. Some of the methods may require you to change some routines in your life. However, you will find that having a good memory is worth the effort. Try some of these methods, and you will see the difference in your life.
