It would be cool to actually remember all the names of the people we meet, or recite from memory all of the books that we have read. Unfortunately, all people are not blessed with a photographic memory that can capture a lot of data. The most that the majority of people can remember is about 50 percent of the details in the books that they have read and recall about 10 names of the 50 people they meet. This does not mean that we should all give up wanting to improve our memory.
Although, we cannot actually make our memory as powerful as one with a photographic memory, we can at least improve its processes so that we can recall more names than we usually do. This is especially true with people who are already ageing. As we grow older, our memory decreases.
Below are some tips on how to start improving your memory.
- Start Early – It is important to take care of the brain early on to avoid forgetfulness when old age comes. Brain development starts at a very young age, from 0-3 years old. It is during this time that your brain grows the fastest. Although, you may not have any power over your parents actions during this time; you can at least add to their care when you are much older, say 6 or 7 years old, by eating the right foods and avoiding as you grow older vices like cigarettes, sugar, processed foods and alcohol, which are proven to lessen memory skills.
- Commit to the improvement – You should at least be able to commit to the task of bettering your memory. You may not realize it but it is not as simple as memorizing a grocery list and practicing crossword puzzles and memory games (yes they are very important). You will also be changing the way you live your life and the food that you eat. Changing your lifestyle and your diet takes a lot of gumption and self-discipline. You will not be able to do it if you do not commit wholeheartedly to the task.
- Practice – Use your brain. Whether it is something as simple as reading a book or playing a strategy game like chess, exercising your brain will help keep those neurons awake and working. In fact, studies have shown that those who answer crossword puzzles, read or generally use their brains will less likely develop dementia or acquire Alzheimer Disease. Using your brain will prevent it from being rusty and dusty.
- Visualize it – One of the most common techniques to improve memory is to visualize words and things. You see, the brain sees data as pictures. It will be easily stored and faster to retrieve if it is seen and visualized as one picture than when it is memorized as numbers or words. For instance, if you are trying to memorize a grocery list, you do not memorize the words. You memorize the pictures of the items that you need to buy. That way, when you go to the grocery store, you will remember to buy that item, improving your memory in the process.
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