Memory is critical to everything that we are.
However as we ages, it seems like our memory is failing us each and every day.
It’s extremely important that we pay attention to it because without it we wouldn’t know who, where or what we were.
Learning to make better use of your memory can help prevent you for forgetting the important things. In this article, I’ll take you through simple 3 steps process to strengthen your memory.
You will be delighted to see how small, easy steps can lead to a wide range of positive benefits that last your entire life.
Step #1: Use Your Memory
To improve your memory skills, start using them more.
Try memorizing things you would usually write down.
Next time you head out shopping, try memorizing your shopping list before you go. You can still write it down too, but use it as an aid, rather than a crutch.
Emergency contacts:
Do you rely on your phone or contact book for the phone numbers of your friends and family? Would you know all the phone numbers you needed, were you ever stranded without any of your memory aids? If not, it makes sense to make an effort to learn those.
Memorization is generally is more than a one-off effort. So, if you can learn a few phone numbers, then be sure to test yourself later. Can you successfully write them down later today? Or what about tomorrow, or next week?
Regular testing and reviewing will help solidify the memories.
Step #2: Finding Your Keys
Everyday activities are not particularly memorable. It’s common to misplace keys or other objects that we regularly use. Sometimes we aren’t even sure where we last saw them, which can make them even harder to find.
We don’t pay much attention to everyday objects, so our brain doesn’t make the effort to remember where we’ve put them down. It assumes our lack of interest means that it isn’t important.( which sometimes affect us!)
Instead, we need to consciously say to ourselves. “I’m putting the keys behind this pair of gloves” or some such, so that we have a chance of remembering where we put them later on. The more you can make the thought memorable the better. For example, “I’m placing them behind this ugly ornament” might be a lotmore memorable that the same thought without the word “ugly”.
If you lose items, look for other things you might remember instead. What did you do when you arrived, or who did you talk to? Can you retrace your steps in your memory, and then work out where might have placed your items?
Exercise:
Make a list of three places you will use to leave your keys or other portable belongings each time you arrive home:
#1: _________________
#2: _________________
#3: _________________
Do you ever have trouble finding less frequently used items, such as passports, certain cards, occasional-use keys, holiday items, and so on?
Make a list of where some of these are now (finding them first, if necessary!) By doing so, you will be paying attention to their location, and therefore making them easier to recall in future.
Exercise:
Make a list of three places you will use to leave your keys or other portable belongings each time you arrive home:
#1: _________________
#2: _________________
#3: _________________
Step #3: Walk & Move More
You might think that you only need to exercise if you want to look physically fit. If so, then you are in for a big surprise, because if you are unfit, your brain literally cannot think as fast.
Results from a study done in The University of Texas at Dallas showed that seniors who engaged in physical activities such as using a stationary bike or treadmill for only 1 hour 3 times a week for twelve weeks resulted in higher resting blood flow to the brain.
In just 6 weeks, there were noticeable improvement in memory as there was an increase in blood flow to areas of the brain associated with improved memory.
In addition, physical exercise improves mood by supplying endorphins and improves appetite as well. It also may provide opportunities for social interaction which also improves memory.
Summary:
Improving your memory takes time and deliberate practice, so you should invest some time every day to make use of your memory as much as possible. Because the more you practice, the better you get. In addition, the more you use your memory, the more it will become 2nd nature for you to memorize and recall information later on.