Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you could do to increasememorypower.
Obviously, utilizing some sort of reminder system can help.
Creating daily to-do lists can ensure you don’t forget important tasks that need to be completed.
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But what about all the important information that it’s crucial that you cement into yourlong-term memory?
Keep reading to find ways to effectively improve memory, enhance recall, and increase retention of information.
After all, attention is a lot like a spotlight, shining light on the important details.
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Attentionis one of the major components of memory.
Set aside a short period of time to be alone.
attempt to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music, and other diversions.
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Studying materials over several sessions gives you the time you’re gonna wanna adequately process information.
Plus, it’s just a more realistic strategy.
By breaking your review sessions up into smaller blocks, you’re more likely to stick with it.
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Plus, it gives you a chance to review key details several times.
Repetition is one of the best ways to improve your memory.
For example, researchers have found that information is organized in memory in related clusters.
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you could take advantage of this by structuring and organizing the materials you’re studying.
Utilize Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are a technique often used by students to aid in recall.
A mnemonic is simply a way to remember information.
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The best mnemonics are those that utilize positive imagery, humor, or novelty.
Come up with a rhyme, song, or joke to help remember a specific segment of information.
Evidence indicates that mnemonic strategies can be a powerful tool for improving memory.
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Another study found that mnemonic training led to changes in how information was structured in the brain.
One of the most effective encoding techniques is known as elaborative rehearsal.
While it sounds complicated, it’s actually pretty simple.
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Simply put, it’s all about connecting new information with things you already know.
So if you are learning a new term, you would start by learning the meaning.
After repeating this process a few times, you’ll probably notice that recalling the information is much easier.
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Visualize Concepts
Many people benefit greatly fromvisualizingthe information they study.
Research has found there is an overlap between visual imagery and visual working memory.
Creating mental imagery about things you are trying to remember may help improve later recall.
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Pay attention to the photographs, charts, and other graphics in your textbooks.
If you don’t have visual cues to help, try creating your own.
Sometimes even just makingflashcardsof various terms you oughta remember can help cement the information in your mind.
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Establishing relationships between new ideas and previouslyexisting memoriescan dramatically increase the likelihood of recalling the recently learned information.
Educators and psychologists have also discovered that having students actuallyteachnew concepts to others enhances understanding and recall.
Use this approach in your own studies by teaching new concepts and information to a friend or study partner.
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Another strategy is to try restructuring what you have learned so it will be easier to remember.
When you come across an especially difficult concept, devote some extra time to memorizing the information.
Vary Your Study Routine
Another great way to increase your recall is to occasionally change yourstudy routine.
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Adding an element of novelty can help improve your memory for that information.
Get Some Sleep
Researchers have long known thatsleepis important for memory and learning.
Sleep-deprived mice experienced less dendritic growth following a learning task than well-rested mice.
Research has shown that exercise can have important memory-boosting benefits.
It can also help protect the overall health of your brain and memory as you age.
Evidence shows that exercising regularly during mid-life helps lower your risk of developing dementia as you age.
Traumatic events can negatively affect your memory, but so can everyday chronic stress.
One study found that experiencing stress had a negative impact on memory retrieval.
Fortunately, there are many different strategies that can help.
Other techniques like visualization, mnemonics, and elaborative rehearsal can help you max out your memory powers.
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National Institute on Aging.Do memory problems always mean Alzheimer’s disease?
