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How can I Improve my Memory?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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Many people believe that they just have bad memories, and that there’s little or nothing they can do to improve their sieve-like minds. This is actually not true. There are many ways to improve memory, to enhance it, and to compensate when your ability to remember seems inadequate. It should be noted that a sudden loss of memory, especially among the elderly, might indicate conditions like Alzheimer’s and you should see a medical professional, since there are medications which may forestall or slow down this condition’s onset.

If you would simply like to improve your memory, there are three main things that you need to enhance your brain function: adequate sleep, exercise, and a good diet. These are a lot cheaper than the many alleged brain enhancement tools on the market, some of which may work to a degree, others most of which not be worth their price. Any other types of devices or strategies you employ will be less effective without the big three.

Anyone who has ever had to stay up for a full 24 hours will probably note that they quickly start to forget things. In fact, a recent study on students preparing for tests suggested that those who regularly pull “all-nighters” prior to taking an exam generally have lower grade point averages than those who get adequate sleep before taking tests, where "adequate" is defined as at least eight hours a night. Some people may require more — as much as nine or ten hours.

As far as exercising is concerned, aerobic exercises like walking, biking, swimming, and dancing are usually the most helpful. These enhance your ability to remember by giving you more oxygen, and oxygen is what brain cells — as well as all your body’s cells — thrive upon. A good diet refers to eating foods high in antioxidants, getting plenty of fiber, sticking to healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and making sure that your blood sugar remains stable.

To help kids at school, skip the cold cereal or toaster pastries in the morning and consider serving protein instead. Eggs and toast, for instance, may improve not only memory, but also the ability to concentrate in class. Yogurt smoothies made with soy or whey protein power can also give kids and adults that extra boost to keep their minds working at peak capacity.

Once you’ve got down the three basics, there are other things that may help. It can help to minimize distraction while working on tasks or studying. Low music to drown out background noise can be useful: think classical and not rock. Reducing stress levels is very important as well, since when you’re stressed out, you will not remember as much or as well. Many suggest meditation to both focus the mind and to reduce overall stress; prayer may work equally well.

When you’re attempting to memorize things like phone numbers, math formulas, and the like, these can be very difficult. The best methods include attaching meaning to them. For instance, a phone number might contain numbers that have a special meaning, such as your birthdate, a special anniversary, or something similar, or they might have sequential numbers. Spend some time working on attaching meaning to the number in whatever ways work for you, and repeat the number verbally and write it down plenty of times to help you remember it.

Just about anything can be better remembered when it has attached meaning to it. If you have trouble with names, try to make up little rhymes about people you’ve met. Jot down a few notes on their physical description, or associate a name with someone you’ve known in the past. If you do happen to forget, ask again and keep trying to keep that name in focus.

Though your brain is not a muscle, it often works like one. You must keep using it, stretching it, and testing it to keep your memory sharp. Give yourself tests and challenges, like memorizing short poems and bits of information. Keeping journals at night that catalog events of the day, can also help you remember the day and keep your mental skills at their highest capacity.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen , Writer
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGEEK contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Discussion Comments

By anon161313 — On Mar 19, 2011

I am Samwel from Tanzania. My problem is losing my memory but I didn't have this problem have before. That's why i wonder what has happened to me because nowadays i suffocate daily.

By anon136262 — On Dec 22, 2010

I am 27 years old and from pakistan. my written power is very weak. i want to improve it but my memory i also very low. I didn't pick up things from books or lectures. I am not able to keep a message for a long time in mind. Could you help me please to improve my memory?

By anon117938 — On Oct 12, 2010

I am a 27 years old female. I completed post graduation and searching for job. When I prepare for interview, if I go through once I am not able to recollect what i read and after few days I completely forgot about it. I have to keep revising what i read so not able not read further. Can you help me to improve my memory.

By anon67687 — On Feb 26, 2010

What about games that improve memory? Have you experimented with such a software?

By bestcity — On Nov 28, 2008

Believe it or not but 30 minutes a day of walking, but it could be other aerobic exercises like swimming or dancing helps stave off memory loss, in particular in older people. It is possible, but not yet proven that moving around, and being active builds new neurons.

Tricia Christensen

Tricia Christensen

Writer

With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGEEK contributor, Tricia...
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