Did you know that learning something new actually makes your brain function better and more efficiently? I’ll explain how to improve memory for studying, to help you make the most out of it.
Many people think that improving your memory for studying and learning requires a strong effort from yourself or even genes. However, this is not true. There is actually a lot you can do to help improve your memory without all the hard work or genetics. You’ll be surprised at all of the things you can do to help your memory without even realizing it!
Everyone has those moments where they stop and realize they can’t remember the last place they left their keys, the last time they saw a friend or what their significant other was wearing last night. Without taking the effort to strengthen it, memory can be occasionally elusive and evade even the most brilliant minds. This article contains a few ways that you can strengthen your memory and memorization skills.
How To Improve Memory For Studying
Avoid cramming all your material into one short study session. Studies show that information is better retained, if you take some time to learn it. You can do this by scheduling short study sessions in the days and weeks, prior to an exam. Cramming everything into one sitting will only prove to be counter productive.
One of the best ways to store new information in memory is to relate it to something else that you are already familiar with. Creating a logical link between the new information and something else that you already know will increase your chances of being able to successfully recall that information later. The link you create functions as a trigger to recall the new information.
To improve your memory, try to focus your attention on something by removing anything that can distract you from the task at hand. When you spend time to focus, the item of focus moves from short-term memory to long-term memory. Distraction adversely affects focus, and that results in poor memory.
The best way to improve your memory if you’re studying, is to add structure to what you’re attempting to learn. Categorizing and taking things one step at a time, will allow you to learn and to retain the knowledge of a previous subject, before you move on to the next. This is undoubtedly the best way to study.
A great tip for improving your memory is to deliberately increase your intake of fish oil, which is known to boost concentration and recall. By seeking foods high in Omega-3 acids or taking fish oil supplements, it is possible to experience noticeable improvement in your ability to remember important things.
One way to improve your memory is by limiting distractions and focusing only on the information you want to remember. With today’s hectic lifestyle, most people spend a great deal of time multitasking. By clearing all distractions and focusing only on the information you are trying to remember, it allows you to build a strong, clear memory that will be easy to recall at a later time.
Social activity can go a long way in keeping the vigor in your memory. This will keep you spirits up and alert. When you are depressed or lonely, your brain is not being stimulated and your mind is not getting the exercise it needs to stay sharp. Stimulating conversations with friends can strengthen your mind and better your memory.
When you are trying to commit something to memory, associate it with a song, humorous phrase or image. Jokes and humor make things easier to remember in your mind, as the area reserved for humor in the brain is the same area used for learning.
To help improve how quickly something is stored in your memory, take the time to bucket the information first. Act like an information architect and organize the information you are try to commit to memory based off of similarities. Once they are bucketed, attack them as a group. You will then find they are easier to memorize!
Use mnemonic devices to improve your memory. A mnemonic device is any rhyme, joke, song, or phrase that triggers memory of another fact, such as the abbreviation Roy G Biv, which tells you the colors of the spectrum. The best mnemonic devices are those which use humor or positive imagery, as you will have an easier time remembering them.
Take care of any chronic health conditions that you have in order to help with improving your memory. When you do not feel well, you can become depressed. A depressed state of mind adversely affects how your brain retains information because your brain will not be able to focus. So, taking care of your physical health is important in improving your memory.
Eating foods rich in protein will actually help your memory as well as provide good fuel for your body! Foods like fish that have large amounts of protein are high in amino acids which aid your body in the production of neurotransmitters and these neurotransmitters are invaluable to brain performance so eat well to remember better!
The next time your memory fails to help you remember where you placed something, be sure to jog your memory. Try to remember where you last placed something and how long ago it was. From now on, try to keep your items in the same place so you do not forget where they are.
A good tip that can help you improve your memory is to get organized. If your home is a mess, how can you expect to think clearly? You’ll probably wonder why you’re always forgetting where you left your car keys. Getting organized will help you plan and remember things
In order to increase memory and concentration, consider taking a Fish Oil, or Omega-3, vitamin supplement. Unfortunately, our everyday diets simply do not provide enough Omega-3. However, eating more fish or taking an Omega-3 supplement can help with that deficiency. Studies have shown that school children, experiencing difficulty in concentrating, were given an Omega-3 supplement, which resulted in a significantly increased ability to concentrate.
Things are easier to remember if they have a special meaning to you. Think about why you need to memorize the information. For example, if you are going shopping, ask yourself why. It could be for your child’s birthday and thinking about that, will help you remember what you need to buy.
As mentioned before, even the most brilliant brain needs assistance to be better at remembering everyday things. Whether you can never remember what you were just talking about or can’t recall every single person you’ve talked to in the last 15 days, everyone can benefit from strengthening their memory. Hopefully the skills in this article can help you strengthen yours.