Are you the type who always forgets stuff? Can you remember the chemical
formulas containing 1-methylethylidene? How about the date when you first had
sex? Of course not. That's because memory is
selective; we usually remember certain things more easily because they're
important to us. But we all have the potential to remember anything we want, it's just a matter of exercising the brain adequately.
So read on and learn how you can improve your... what was I talking about
again?
the problem
Instead of getting into a psychological dissertation on the intricacies of
short-term memory and long-term memory, let's just stipulate that things slip
our minds that we shouldn't be forgetting.
For example,
everyone, except maybe your chemistry teacher, will forgive you for not
remembering the composition of certain chemical formulas. However, you could
get into a heap of trouble for forgetting your girlfriend's name, especially
when snuggling in bed. Here
are a few things you should make an effort to remember:
· Names
· Phone numbers
· Faces
· Tasks
· Appointments
· Birthdays
· Conversations
· The truth (or lies)
For the most part,
not recalling these things is a matter of not paying enough attention. If you
really cared, you wouldn't forget (like my girlfriend always says). Put some
effort into it next time and see how much more you'll remember. Also, determine whether you have an
audio memory or visual memory. Once you resolve this question, you'll be
in a better position to learn how to improve your memory.
the solution
Here are some concrete tips you can follow to develop your ability to remember
pertinent information.
Be
active
This applies to everything, whether you're listening,
thinking or reading. Make an effort to take notes or acknowledge that you've
heard what the other person has told you. When we're passive, our minds drift
away. If you work hard at
being active, your brain will register what is being said and you'll remember
it more easily.
Focus
Start paying attention to
detail. There's an overwhelming quantity of information we hear each day
but we only remember what is important to us. Broaden what you deem significant
and you will remember more.
A good trick is to imagine that everything is vital. Pretend you're a
crime scene investigator or a secret agent, and every aspect of what's going on
around you is vital to national security.
Make
associations
Establish links between
what you're trying to recollect and things you already know. It can be a
color, a number or a rhyme. To remember a list of things, picture images that
rhyme with numbers. For example, one rhymes with sun; visually associate sun
with the first item of your list. Then, do the same with two, which rhymes with
clue, etc. You can also use acronyms and combinations of names, or make
sentences using the first letter of every word, as mnemonic tools.
Repeat
what's said
What was your schoolteacher's favorite punitive
method? Whenever someone would be disorderly, she'd make them copy whatever they
weren't supposed to do over and over again on the blackboard. Repetition helps
us remember; it forcefully imprints an idea in our minds. Each time you meet someone,
repeat their name right away. When someone gives you their phone number, write
it down and repeat it out loud. Also, when there's something you really want to
remember, don't be afraid to write it down several times on a piece of paper.
Make rhymes, draw a
map and change your lifestyle...
Correlate
names
There are few things as nerve-racking as meeting
someone you already know but forgetting their name. You can resolve the
situation by associating
them to someone they look like or to a word linked to one of their character
traits. Wordplay with their name (Big Bad Billy, Kooky Kathy) and have a
visual image of them in your mind, or go through the alphabet until you
remember the first letter of their name and then, perhaps, the name will come
to you.
Make
a concept map
Still associating, make a visual painting of what
you're trying to remember. Structure
a topic in your mind so that you can see everything clearly. Then, when there's
something you're forgetting, visualize this shape and your brain will allow you
to recover the data. In addition, ensure that you comprehend the
nitty-gritty of a topic before trying to commit to memory-interconnected
specifics.
all-purpose
guidelines
Living by the following tips will ensure your memory will be sharper than ever.
Enjoy
the information
We always remember the things we
have an interest in. If you despise mathematics, you'll have a very hard
time remembering complicated theorems. But if you read up on the topic and
discover the plight of the scientists who originated them and put their lives
on the line to prove their theories, you will be directly involved and
remembering them will be almost effortless. The same goes for everything.
There's a reason why the phone number of your favorite pizza place is easier to
recall than your dentist's office.
Take
your time
Memory isn't instantaneous. You have to give yourself enough time to absorb information. Some
things can be remembered more quickly than others, of course, but don't berate yourself for not being fast enough. When you are trying to
remember something, keep your energy level high and concentrate effectively.
Relax
Pressure works for some
people, but most of us function better when we're not afflicted with anxiety.
Take deep breaths; tell yourself that you have all the time in the world and
that not remembering something is fine. Relaxing will serve to enhance your
awareness and ability to remember.
Be
selective
There's no way anyone can remember everything in life. You must be choosy;
select what you want to commit to memory and allow your mind to forget the
rest. Your brain is like a file cabinet, so throw away what you don't need and
make room for the important stuff.
Keep
your mind active
Apathy may be fine on a Sunday morning, but it shouldn't be a way of life. The more you keep your psyche
dynamic, the better it will operate. This is even more important as you get
older. Do crossword puzzles, learn a new word every day, and read
constantly. Be relentless in exercising your wits.
Care
for your health
The brain is intimately linked to the body. Exercise every day, vie for
first-class blood flow, and stimulate your lungs. Eat properly to give your
system the right nutrients and vitamins. Heavy use of alcohol and drugs
can deteriorate your memory. Furthermore, consuming ginkgo biloba,
lecithin, and phosphatidylserine can improve your
memory.
super memory!
In essence, all these tips are about focusing and paying attention to things.
Care about what you want to remember and put some genuine effort into it. The
more you practice your newfound skills and keep your mind active, the more your
memory will improve.
And it's worth
doing since everyone thinks highly of people with good memories. It could seriously
help you at work and in your personal life.
Resources:
www.mamashealth.com
www.thinkactive.co.uk
www.mindtools.com
Article Suggested By:Gerald B.,
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