5 Solid Memory Techniques for Improving Information Recall
Have you ever entered a room and immediately forgotten why you went in there in the first place? Or maybe your memory has failed in other ways; maybe you forget where you put your keys, or…
Wait. What was I talking about?
If you’re blanking out whenever you try to remember something, you might want to develop some memory techniques. There are a lot of tricks you can try to improve your ability to recall information.
Keep reading to learn five simple ways to boost your memory.
Mnemonic Devices
One of the simplest ways to lock in information is to attach it to a mnemonic device. A mnemonic device is a simple technique that associates a piece of information with something memorable like a rhyme or acronym.
If you learned the colors of a rainbow as a child, you were probably taught the mnemonic device ‘Roy G. Biv.’ Roy G. Biv is an acronym; each letter in the name stands for a color in the rainbow.
Coming up with similar mnemonic devices for important facts can make it easier to recall information.
Get Enough Sleep
Few things impact brain function as much as a lack of sleep. While you’re probably familiar with the regular drawbacks of feeling tired, you might not have realized that a lack of sleep can affect your memory, too.
If you’re frequently blanking out, it might be because your brain is too tired to make the connections it needs to make. If that’s the case, improving your memory might be as simple as fixing your sleep schedule.
How much sleep you need depends on your age, but usually seven hours is the recommended minimum.
Exercise
Exercise is great for keeping fit, but did you know that it can help your mental health, too? It’s true! Doing a bit of exercise each day keeps your brain healthy, which can improve memory.
Aerobic exercise in particular has been shown to improve verbal memory and learning.
Get Organized
If you want to improve memory, organization is key. Simple steps like making notes, putting a reminder on an online calendar, or setting your alarm clock to go off at certain times can make a huge difference.
For instance, say you’re having trouble remembering to take your vitamins. An easy way to fix this problem is set an alarm each day; when the alarm goes off, you’ll know it’s time to take them!
Other Simple Memory Techniques
There are a few other easy steps you can take to improve your memory. Writing things down or saying them out loud can help lock that information into your brain, so try to repeat and rehearse important facts!
You can also use visual cues. These work like mnemonics, but you’re associating the fact with an image instead of an acronym or rhyme.
Keep Your Mind Healthy
With the memory techniques you’ve learned here, you can say goodbye to blanking out. With these simple adjustments, you won’t have to worry about forgetting the important things!
While you’re honing your mind, don’t forget to keep your body healthy, too! Check out our health page for great articles to stay in shape!
