6 Methods for Improving Your Memory: Is it really possible to improve your memory? If you’ve ever found yourself forgetting where you left your keys or blanking out information on important tests then you have probably wished that your memory was a bit better. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to help improve your memory.
Obviously, utilizing some sort of reminder system can help. Setting up an online calendar that sends reminders to your phone helps you keep track of all those appointments and meetings. Creating daily to-do lists can ensure that you don’t forget important tasks that need to be completed.
But what about all the important information that you need to actually cement into your long-term memory? It will take some effort and even involve tweaking or dramatically changing your normal study routine, but there are a number of strategies you can utilize to get more out of your memory.
Before your next big exam, be sure to check out some of these tried and tested techniques for improving memory. These 6 research-proven strategies can effectively improve memory, enhance recall, and increase retention of information.
Table of Contents
Focus Your Attention
Attention is one of the major components of memory. In order for information to move from your short-term memory into your long-term memory, you need to actively attend to this information. Try to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music, and other diversions.
Getting rid of distractions might be a challenge, especially if you are surrounded by boisterous roommates or noisy children.
Avoid Cramming
Studying materials over a number of sessions gives you the time you need to adequately process information. Research has continuously shown that students who study regularly remember the material far better than those who do all of their studying in one marathon session.
Do brain training
In a similar way to muscles, the brain needs regular use to stay healthy. Mental workouts are just as essential to gray matter as other factors, and challenging the mind can help it grow and expand, which may improve memory.
The participants’ working memory, short term memory, and problem solving skills all significantly improved when researchers compared them to a control group doing crossword puzzles.
The researchers used brain training activities from the website Lumosity. The challenges work on a person’s ability to recall details and quickly memorize patterns.
Eat Healthier
Eating healthy foods is great for your body and your mind. Besides helping us with our mood and focus, healthy foods are vital for our memory, as well. Blueberries, for example, have been shown to increase blood flow to areas of the brain correlated with memory. One study compared results on memory tests taken by children who drank smoothies with berries, compared to those who didn’t.
After several months, researchers found those who drank the berry smoothies had higher scores in the tests than those in a placebo group. Additional studies with children drinking berry smoothies showed an improvement in memory tests as compared to those drinking non-berry smoothies.
Practice Mindfulness/Meditation
Short-term memory is negatively affected by proactive interference — which is when older memories interfere with your ability to recall more recent memories. Results from a study where mindfulness was used for one month found that participants who practiced the technique had less proactive interference, indicating better short-term memory.
Meditation is another way to boost memory. A study of people with memory issues had participants either meditate or listen to a Mozart concerto for 12 minutes a day. At the end of two months, they found that the meditation group had increased cerebral blood flow in the frontal and parietal lobes, which is related to retrieving memories. The group that listened to music didn’t reach the same level of improvement.
Speak and say it loud
Saying what you want to remember loudly is very effective. For example, many students study by reading textbooks loudly. This method adds a recollection value to what you want to remember. It commands the brain to retain the thought for a long period. So if you want to remember anything, simply say it out loud.
