Memory-boosting techniques date back thousands of years. In ancient times, people realized the importance of retention and recall for the adequate functioning of all other cognitive functions, more info on Writing Universe. The key practice was training the mind to start thinking in visuals rather than words.
With time, people have devised a plethora of techniques that can sharpen your memory quickly and effectively. Don’t worry if you’re the kind of person who routinely forgets where the car keys are. Your memory is not weak by nature but needs rigorous practice. So here we go!
1. Use The Ancient Loci Method
Over 2000 years ago, the ancient Greeks devised a method for enhancing memory known as the “loci method.” Today, the technique is cherished by world memory champions worldwide. Ample studies show that daily practice of just 30 minutes can dramatically boost one’s retention and recall. So what’s the trick?
The technique involves walking around a familiar space, such as your bedroom or favorite park, and visualizing and placing vivid objects in certain places that reflect the phrases you wish to remember. For instance, if you need to remember the term “moon,” picture it shining bright on a ceiling over your bed. Later on, challenge yourself to retrieve all the lists of words you’ve imagined. If you stick to this study method long enough, you’ll be amazed at how much your memory can do.
2. Involve All of Your Senses
Finding connections between ideas that aren’t often thought of as being related is where our memory (and intelligence) really struggle. This is why you need to train yourself to involve as many senses as possible when retrieving memories.
Multi-coding, sometimes referred to as multisensory learning, is a potent method for improving memory that uses several senses at once to absorb and remember information. Picture yourself drinking tea, for instance. Instead of merely picturing it statically, try to bring your memory to life by evoking the tea’s aroma, taste, and even the feel of it flowing over your taste buds. This will help you activate various areas of the brain, therefore strengthening memory.
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3. Craft Meaningful Narratives
Our brains thrive on meaningful connections. They are like magical storytellers, weaving complex narratives out of seemingly unconnected facts. Whether you need to remember the name of the best scholarship essay writing service or an odd nickname of your neighbor, build memorable narratives around the elements you wish to remember.
Imagine having to remember the peculiar website name “SnakeSafari.” You could form a vivid image of a thrilling safari trip surrounded by snakes of various sizes, guided by the excursion leader wearing a hat with a snake pattern. Forming similar associations makes retention and recall much easier.
4. Be Attentive
In a sense, the art of remembering is also the art of undivided attention. Our brain gets completely engaged when we focus on specifics, concepts, or experiences, telling our memory centers that the information is crucial and should be kept in our memory bank. By practicing focused attention, we can improve the brain connections that give rise to enduring and vivid memories.
5. Try the “Chunking” Method
Chunking is a clever technique for remembering lots of numbers. The idea is to combine numbers into manageable chunks, so you don’t have to struggle with individual digits. It’s like constructing a fortress out of numbers, with each piece serving as a strong block in your mental fortress. For instance, you may break up a long string of digits like “123456789” into easier-to-remember groupings like “123-456-789.”
Patterns appeal to our minds. As a cool little detective, your brain looks for hints to remember things. Chunking is a great way to build memorable patterns to enhance retention and recall.
6. Foster “Working Memory”
Working memory serves as a kind of mental sticky note for knowledge that we are using actively. It is essential for learning, solving problems, and doing daily chores. So, for instance, working memory would be linking the words we are familiar with to form a cohesive phrase when we speak. Improving working memory in kids has a huge potential for transforming college education. It helps students hold and manipulate information effectively, therefore boosting multiple cognitive functions at once.
7. Use Large Displays
Another great way to boost your memory is a simple yet effective hack- use a larger computer screen! You’d be amazed how little tricks like this can aid your memory. When reading information on larger displays, your brain creates clearer mental images without the overlap characteristic of smaller panels. Reading on a small screen is like trying to jam a line of elephants through a narrow door – everything gets confused and jumbled, leaving your memory in a mess.
The Bottom Line
Imagine a world without memory, where each moment stands alone, disconnected from the past or the future. It would be a perpetually confusing world where learning is impossible, and advancement is halted. Memory is the glue that holds our experiences together, forming a cohesive narrative of our lives and allowing us to learn, develop, and flourish.
Memory serves as the framework for all of our thoughts, actions, and emotions, from the simplest chores to the most difficult projects. So be sure to use these top 7 study techniques backed by science to build up your working memory like a mental fortress.
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Author Bio: Joanne Elliott is a high school English teacher and blogger. Joanne is also fascinated by the immense potential of memory-enhancing techniques to boost her students’ performance. She routinely incorporates these into her daily lessons. Every week, Joanne also writes educational blogs on the topic.