Effective ways to improve your memory.
By Hakeem Al Miwat Qari Muhammad Younis Shahid Mayo.
Memory is the greatest blessing in the universe. The one whose memory works better lives better in the same way. At this time data has become so important in the world that its value is more than any other precious thing. This is based on the fact that it conserves memory, which becomes more valuable the faster the computer completes the processing.
Earlier people were also aware of the importance of memory. It was called Hafiza. It is a natural gift. But on the basis of experiences, some things have been discovered that can improve memory. These are not theories but experiences. People who have achieved on the basis of hard work and constant struggle.
Our memories are an integral part of who we are, but as we age our memory declines. For many older adults, the decline becomes so severe that they are no longer able to live independently, which is one of the biggest fears as adults age.
The good news is that scientists are learning more about our brain’s amazing ability to make new neural connections every day and even into old age. This concept is known as neuroplasticity. Through research on neuroplasticity, scientists have discovered that our memory capacity is not stable, but malleable and plastic.
To take full advantage of neuroplasticity, you’ll need to exercise your brain and take care of your body. These tips and tricks are the most effective ways to improve memory.
- Learn something new.
Memory power is just like muscle power. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. But you can’t lift the same weight every day and expect to get stronger. You will need to constantly challenge your mind. Learning a new skill is a great way to strengthen your brain’s memory.
There are plenty of activities to choose from, but most importantly, you’ll need to find something that pushes you out of your comfort zone and commands your full attention.
Here are some examples:
Learn a new instrument
Make pottery
Play brain games, such as Sudoku or chess
Learn a new type of dance like tango.
Learn a new language
Research from 2007 showed that speaking more than one language can delay the onset of memory problems in people with dementia.
- Repeat and retrieve.
Whenever you learn a new piece of information, you’re more likely to mentally record that information as you repeat it.
Repetition strengthens the connections we make between neurons. Repeat what you hear out loud. Try using it in a sentence. Write it down and read it out loud.
But the work doesn’t stop there. Research shows that simple repetition is an ineffective learning tool if used by itself. You have to sit down later and actively try to retrieve the information without looking at where you wrote it down. Testing yourself to retrieve information is better than studying over and over again. Practicing retrieval creates more long-term and meaningful learning experiences.
- Try acronyms, abbreviations and mnemonics.
Mnemonic devices can be in the form of acronyms, abbreviations, songs or poems.
Memorization has been tested as an effective strategy for students since the 1960s. You may have been taught some mnemonic devices to remember long lists. For example, the colors of the spectrum can be remembered as ROY G. BIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). - “Group” or “Slice” Information
Grouping or chunking refers to the process of breaking down newly learned information into smaller, larger chunks of information. For example, you may have noticed that it is much easier to remember a phone number if the 10 digits are grouped into three separate parts (eg, 555-637-8299) rather than one long number (5556378299). - Build a “mind palace.”
The brain palace technique is often used by memory champions. In this ancient technique, you create a visual and intricate space to store a collection of memories.
For more instructions on creating a memory palace, watch 2006 US Memory Champion Joshua Foer’s TED Talk. - Use all your senses.
Another tactic of mnemonics is that they don’t rely on just one sense to help retain information. Instead, they associate information with other senses, such as color, taste, and smell. - Don’t immediately turn to Google.
Modern technology has its place, but unfortunately it has made us “mentally lazy”. Before reaching for your phone to ask Siri or Google, make a concerted effort to retrieve the information from your mind. This process helps strengthen the neural pathways in your brain.