“Memory is the thing that gets you through the day and gives meaning to your life”
-Billie Eilish
Memory can be a very subjective subject, and it depends on what age you are and how much time you have in this world. If someone tells you that memory should only last 40 minutes of conversation, that is an easy way to go off track. However, if someone shows you things like these two pictures, then there is no excuse not to listen, so I’m going to share some tips to improve your memory!
1. Read every day!
Reading something new and exciting can help boost your memory because you get engaged with the content. The more you read, the more information you can absorb and remember. An article from Harvard University claims that reading can boost verbal abilities as well as remembering facts from class that was taught previously. So, start right away!
2. Exercise
You do not need to go to a gym or a field for exercising but try to do some cardio every day. You need to exercise to keep your brain healthy too! When your mind is not moving, make sure you’re doing your best to stay fit, it won’t take long before you become more alert and better equipped to stay on top of daily tasks.
3. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep deprivation can lead to poor memory functions which is why people struggle to remember things when they get only six hours of sleep a night. Sleep loss also increases inflammation, which means that you are more likely to forget what you want most. It is important to get adequate amounts of sleep each night.
4. Study habits
Studying habits can help boost your memory because the more you study history and science, the more understanding you get of what makes our world functions the way it does. Reading certain topics will also raise your comprehension and vocabulary which could eventually become useful skills. Plus, you will have no problem knowing whether something has happened as soon as you read it.
5. Learn a foreign language — French for instance
Learning a different language does wonder for your memory. A lot of us remember more than we think we remember or think we remember. Knowing a particular language and speaking it often helps you keep your data and facts intact. That said, learning a second language does not necessarily mean you’ll have to speak Spanish. There are many opportunities to pick up a few phrases such as “hello” and “thank you” in French instead of saying hello and goodbye. The extra time when learning more languages allows for greater familiarity with them too.
6. Exercise to release stress
Stress is detrimental to memory in that it causes you to forget things that are important in your life. So, it is highly recommended to relieve your stress by getting enough exercise. For example, doing jogging has been shown to increase blood flow to the hippocampus which is where memory is stored. Even though regular jogging may seem boring, it is important to activate the hippocampus region.
7. Create lists
Creating a list of all the items you want to remember and everything you want to accomplish is beneficial to staying organized. In addition, creating lists of all your goals throughout the year will help remind you of what is important. Creating lists helps with focus because they function as reminders of what you’ve accomplished. Do not underestimate the power of using lists to create productivity and focus! They can create a sense of control and make sure you are not always chasing after the next task.
8. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is key because it creates a connection between thoughts and the present moment. Mindfulness helps to clear your mind of unnecessary distractions since they are based on thoughts instead of actions. Practicing this can help you focus on what matters, like studying for an exam instead of thinking about the test.
9. Avoid external distractions and look at a blank page
If possible, read something in black ink on either side of the paper so you do not have to constantly stop to check your watch. Another great tip is to avoid anything shiny before starting a piece of writing. An extra benefit is that writing can help retain memories, so if you are ever feeling confused about the topic or how to write it well, try to avoid bright things. Also, the white ink on paper is easier to manipulate and erase and the dark ink is harder to erase as well.
10. Make friends
Making friends is one way to increase your memory and socialize with others. Someone who knows another person can give them useful insights, as well as show them examples of their knowledge and skills. People can also get ideas for their own projects from working together so you could always ask anyone for feedback and advice.
11. Use flashcards
One effective way to remember things is by making flashcards, and you can use those to memorize even more things. By printing out copies of your flashcards, you can store them and put them away for later use, helping reduce the chances of forgetting certain things. Having flashcards on your phone can also help your brain to remember things better, so use those to access the internet whenever you need to. There are several apps such as Tic Tac Lite that allow you to insert your flashcards any place, so it is easy to find them wherever you need them.
12. Draw up lists
Write down what events you remember and what details you remember. Then draw up a list of events and draw up a list of details. These are both powerful exercises to engage your brain with things you can remember and have the possibility that some events could be forgotten or changed into something else. It will also help with concentration.
13. Try taking notes
Sometimes there is no choice but to remember a piece of paper when someone is trying to explain something. But just taking notes is one way to prevent the temptation to just type them into a laptop. Noticing things down is a valuable skill for memory. And for good reason. Instead of typing, you can easily scribble or tap with your finger. Taking notes with pen and paper can bring you back in time and add context and meaning. When you are struggling to remember something, jotting it down can make sure you remember it more effectively, no matter how trivial the detail is. A simple note can change someone’s opinion too!
14. Focus when you must.
Focusing can improve memory by blocking out distracting thoughts, whilst allowing for a creative and meaningful process. As humans, we tend to switch off from random stimuli when we are concentrating. We become focused when we are trying to concentrate. Therefore, pay attention to what you can focus on and ignore anything else. For example, if someone asks you to tell us stories about a loved one, then start telling us stories about them to help us understand their personality better, rather than scrolling through Instagram Stories. Keep away from anything else that is distracting your focus and stay engaged. This practice will boost your memory for all seasons.
Muhammad Khan Writes 