…No matter what angle you look at it from, cementing vital information into our long-term memory cannot be wished away. Hence, having a better memory is worth every effort as it remains one of the aspects of our lives that we cannot do without.
Introduction: In the age of technology, where information is at our fingertips, the significance of a robust memory remains unparalleled. Despite our reliance on gadgets, there are aspects of life, from daily tasks to critical information recall, where memory plays an irreplaceable role. This article explores the necessity of a better memory and 5 great ways to boost your memory.
The human capacity to understand information, store it, and remember it when needed is what Memory is basically about. In popular Nigerian parlance, “we are happier than our forefathers.” There is nowhere this assertion is truer than in this era of marked advancement in technology and systems all over the world. We live in a millennium where we can comfortably outsource our memory to gadgets around us.
Why is improving memory essential despite technological advancements? While technology offers memory outsourcing, aspects like recalling names, locations, and critical information necessitate a robust memory. This article explores the significance of memory and provides effective ways to enhance it in our daily lives.
Thanks to digitalization, today, by simply having a smartphone, you can keep track of notable events like your partner’s birthdays and wedding anniversaries. You can also have reminders and alarms set to keep you at bay with activities you need to partake in.
Internet search engines have equally made it easy for users to have access to information at their fingertips. Thus, you might fall into the temptation of asking why anybody may want to improve their memory.
To not lose the focus of this discourse, remember that, as earlier stated, having a good memory implies the ability to recall information.
Therefore, even though the benefits of outsourcing our memory to technology cannot be debatable, there are a lot of aspects of our lives that will require our memory. I mean, no gadget in the world helps you remember where you left your car keys, an important document, or something as seemingly trivial but essential as remembering names and faces, let alone crucial information during tests and examinations for students and professionals.
No matter what angle you look at it from, cementing vital information into our long-term memory cannot be wished away. Hence, having a better memory is worth every effort as it remains one of the aspects of our lives that we cannot do without.
As you read on, you will get to know great and proven ways to improve your memory because it is, as a matter of fact, essential.
One of the integral constituents of our memory is attention. Usually, information is first stored in our short-term memory before it evolves into our long-term memory, thus to recall information even after it has long been heard/read, it helps to pay deeper attention to it. While improving one’s memory requires deliberate effort, you do not have to be self-conscious when trying to do so. All you need to do is to relax and concentrate on the information.
Effective listening helps to boost memory because listening has been proven to help enhance memorization. The mistake most people make is to equate hearing to listening. They are two different things. Usually, a good number of people hear, but only a few really listen.
Take an instance like attending a conference. It is conventional to meet new people and introduce yourselves. Shockingly, few people recall the names of the people they met a few days afterward. This is because what almost always happens is that people heard the names but didn’t listen to the names. Imagine meeting one of the persons afterward and calling them by their name.
The effect will often be in your favor as the person will likely not remember yours. According to research, this can boost the person’s impression of you, hence giving you a social advantage if you need the relationship for something productive.
Whether as a student or a professional, visualizing information improves memory greatly. In cases where there are no visual cues to help, you can create your own. You are more likely to remember information if you already have a mental picture associated with it.
If you are looking to improve your memory, you need to get enough sleep. Among the benefits of sleeping is the awesome ability to remember things you read better.
Matter of fact, sleeping immediately after learning something new has physical changes on the brain, a report says. So, when next you are trying to grapple with recalling some information or even preparing for an exam, endeavor to have a good nap after studying. It enhances your learning and remembrance.
In a bid to remember something, many may be tempted to cram. Now, the downside to cramming is that it hardly ever sticks in the long term. Even the short-term storage of information is not guaranteed as just forgetting one word can disorganize the way the information is arranged in your brain.
Whichever way, you’d lose at both ends. It is usually best to understand and assimilate information into the brain. Repetition and recitation do it better. Repeat the information in your mind as many times as possible. Merely reading it is scarcely enough because humans tend to recall information more when it is recited and rehearsed.
In the intricate tapestry of our lives, memory weaves the threads that connect us to our past, guide us through the present, and shape our future.
The exploration of memory enhancement is not just a pursuit of cognitive prowess; it’s an investment in the quality of our experiences. As we navigate a world where information is abundant yet ephemeral, the timeless value of a reliable memory becomes evident.
Embracing techniques to sharpen our memory is not merely a cognitive exercise; it’s a commitment to enriching the narratives we create and cherish. So, let us embark on this journey of memory refinement, appreciating the profound impact it has on the intricate mosaic of our existence
Telemedicine is a convenient and accessible approach to boosting memory and cognitive health.
Through telemedicine, there are many memory-stimulating platforms at your fingertips, waiting for you to use them. With these platforms, you can comfortably engage in memory enhancement strategies and even more than 5 great ways to boost your memory at home, work, or even free time at school.
With telemedicine, anyone seeking to boost their memory can virtually receive remote cognitive assessments, access specialized memory training programs, and obtain personalized guidance on brain-healthy lifestyles.
Through video conferencing and digital testing platforms, doctors and health specialists can remotely administer cognitive assessments and screening tools, and evaluate your memory, attention span, and other cognitive functions.
The best and easiest ways to increase memory retention include learning new languages, sleeping well, solving puzzles and problems, taking art classes, learning a musical instrument, etc. All these activities stimulate the brain to produce new brain cells and forge new pathways.
The 2357 technique involves revising notes and study materials repeatedly. You revise the notes on day one, study them again on days two and three, and then revise them on day five and day seven.
Forgetting what you study is a common problem that is caused by several things. They include lack of attention or focus in class, indiscipline, poor study habits, etc. Consider maintaining healthy study habits and regularly testing yourself.
Reading strengthens your working memory by constantly engaging your brain. It is a good habit that improves concentration and memory. Reading is a workout for the brain which helps it establish new connections and neurons.
Here are some tips to unlock your brain power!
About the Author:
Ginika Oluchi Okeke is the content writer Lead at KompleteCare. She also doubles as an editor and proofreader for everything that concerns content. Reach Ginika at [email protected].
Medical Disclaimer: KompleteCare aims to improve the quality of life for everyone with fact-based content about the nature of diseases, preventive care, behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited, and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider
Healthline (2018) 25 Ways to Improve Your Memory
Healthline (2023) 14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Memory
Cheke LG, Simons JS, Clayton NS. (2016) Higher body mass index is associated with episodic memory deficits in young adults.
Heyward FD, Gilliam D, Coleman MA, Gavin CF, Wang J, Kaas G, Trieu R, Lewis J, Moulden J, Sweatt JD. (2016) Obesity Weighs down Memory through a Mechanism Involving the Neuroepigenetic Dysregulation of Sirt1.
Potkin KT, Bunney WE Jr. (2012) Sleep improves memory: the effect of sleep on long term memory in early adolescence.
Mayo Clinic. Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
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Ginika is the Lead health writer at KompleteCare. She also doubles as an editor and proofreader for everything that concerns content. When she's not writing content for KompleteCare, you might find her copy-editing works for authors before publication.
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