Enhance your memory power

By Emma Mathew


Memory is nothing but the recalling of any data or information that has been assimilated by the brain. Memory is divided into two types; short term memory and long term memory. Short term memory helps the brain to remember the information for few seconds to few minutes, for example, searching a phone number in the phone directory. This type of information is not stored for a long time, and lapses from the brain. Long term memory, on the other hand is that memory where we make conscious efforts to retain the information for a long time. Forgetfulness seems to be a harmless trait. Here are effective tips to follow to improve memory recall.

Center your attention: Concentrate your attention on the material you want to remember. Attention is a key aspect of memory. To help material transcend from short term memory to long term memory, you need to attend to the information. Repeat it as necessary and prioritize avoiding distractions. If you want to recall something, pay close attention to it at the time. The problem may not be memory; the problem may be one of attention. People, who have a good memory, pay close attention to events as they happen. Also, you may well know that the level of interest and importance we assign to a person or an event, determines how much attention we are going to pay it at the particular time it is occurring.

Feed Your Brain: This means feeding your body of course. Your brain needs a lot of energy, and will generally function better if you eat some good proteins and complex carbohydrates. Trail mix, with nuts and dried fruit works well for some. Fish has been shown to immediately speed up brain function, as well as improve memory and other brain functions long-term improvement if eaten regularly. Also, the distraction caused by hunger can interfere with your concentration and ability to recall things. Any simple carbohydrates can give you "brain fog." Sometimes called the "sugar blues" as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush. Avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips before any important mental tasks.

Structure and organize the information: Researchers have found that information is organized in memory in related clusters. You can take advantage of this by structuring and organizing the materials. Try grouping similar concepts and terms together, or make an outline of your notes and readings to help group related concepts. Connect new data to information you already remember, whether it's new material that builds on previous knowledge, or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a street where you already know someone. Write things down in address books and datebooks and on calendars; take notes on more complex material and reorganize the notes into categories later. Use both words and pictures in learning information.

Quit smoking & Reduce brain toxins: Cigarettes are linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even before there is a diagnosis, there may be reduced blood flow to the brain. This means reduced oxygen to the brain, which decreases brain function in general, and memory specifically. Most illegal drugs are toxic to the brain, but so are many prescription medications. These drugs have been associated with memory loss after prolonged use: Lithium, digitalis, reserpine, Inderal (propanolol), Aldomet (methyldopa), and Tagamet (cimetidine), as well as some high blood pressure medications.

Teach it to someone else: Studies show that reading a material out loud enhances retention, so grab a study partner and teach him what you actually have learned. Doing so will enhance your memory and recall significantly and will also boost your confidence as exam time comes nearer and nearer. Try explaining something that you don't understand very well to a friend, though, and you'll notice that the process of explaining will help you clarify your understanding.




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1 comments:

Chiropractor Seattle said...

I really enjoyed reading through this write-up. I most certainly will be coming back to read some more intriguing ideas!! Thank you:D

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