Five Free Ways To Improve Your Memory
Posted: Sunday, October 18, 2009
by Erin Matlock
Brain Training 101
Forgetfulness is a common problem that afflicts all ages. The good news is that there are ways to combat it. With a little time and practice you can improve your focus, concentration and ability to recall information. Here are five ways to get you started.
1) Reduce Daily Stress
Studies show that anxious people produce "stress hormones" like cortisol, which can damage brain cells. Try to find a daily activity that will combat this and relax you. Meditating, listening to music, yoga, or taking a long bath are all examples of activities that are easy to do.
A study by British researchers tested 23 seniors (aged 68 to 90) who suffered from mild dementia. They asked participants test questions while playing specific background sounds. The sounds were: a tune they knew (Winter - Vivaldi's Four Seasons), new music (Hook - Fitkin), pre-recorded cafeteria noise - or asked the questions in silence.
More questions were answered correctly with sound in the background rather than silence. Participants scored best when music (novel or familiar) was playing.
3) Practice Voluntary Attention
Ever notice you can remember the details of things you're interested in but lack the same skill when it comes to anything else? Improve your capacity for voluntary attention with this simple practice:
Pick a common object like a tree. Study the tree and ask yourself:
What kind of leaves does it have? How big is it? What colors are the leaves? Are there blossoms? How old do you think it is?
Continue studying the tree and asking yourself questions about it. By doing this exercise with other common objects, you will develop your voluntary attention and increase your ability to recall details.
4) Create Visual Reminders
Need to remember to take something important to work the next day? Place a shoe, or some other household object, smack dab in front of the door so you have to see it on your way out. The shoe will serve as a reminder for your file, report, printout etc. that you need to take with you.
5) Yell Stop!
One key to remembering well is maintaining your concentration. Next time you're studying, working, meeting someone new or trying to memorize anything pay attention to your level of focus and concentration. When you feel yourself drift off, yell "Stop!" It will bring your mind back to the task at hand and increase your ability to store the information correctly.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Thank you for this article I will try these methods and maybe my memory will become better over time!Thanks Anthony! I appreciate your comment, and I invite you to visit BrainTraining101. It is a free website filled with memory training techniques, as well as a great selection of free brain games.
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