Memory is an integral part of our living. Without memory, our very existence would find no meaning. However, age plays an important role in keeping our minds healthy.
With age, memory cells start deteriorating, and sometimes the loss goes to certain extents when people fail to recognize anybody.
How To Improve Memory For Studying?
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It is painful for the people who suffer such mindlessness in the presence of their loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways that can improve memory powers significantly, if followed consistently.
Tips and tricks to improve memory powers
Our brain is an amazing organ that can change and grow new neural connections every day, even when it has aged. Scientists are constantly on the search for new technologies to learn more about the neural connections of the brain that forms the basis of our memory. They have discovered that our memory is malleable enough to change its capacity which they have termed as neuroplasticity. What we can do to put this theory into practice is by making our brains exercise. The overall health of our bodies adds to the benefits.
Let your brain learn something new occasionally– Learning new things keeps our minds engaged. It simply follows the rule of use and disuse of organs. The more one uses the memory cells and makes them do work, the more they develop. Activities like learning new instruments, playing games like Soduku or Chess, making poetry, learning new languages will help in strengthening the brain’s memory capacity. Study says that learning new languages can delay the memory problems of dementia people. Also, remaining organized is a good way of enhancing memory. It says that writing manually is better than typing.
Revision is important– Repeatedly trying to retrieve previously learned things reinforces the neural connections. Research proofs that a simple repetition is an ineffective tool in the learning process. One needs to sit back and try to retrieve the information learned some time back. Trying to practice this creates a more long-term learning experience.
Use techniques to remember– When remembering something, we can probably use mnemonic devices. This can be in the form of acronyms, abbreviations, songs, or rhymes. For instance, we often use the term VIBGYOR to remember the seven colors of the rainbow. Learning can also be enhanced by using the grouping or chunking process. Newly learned information can be remembered by dividing them into fewer or larger chunks of information. For instance, instead of remembering a whole 10 digit number as one, it can be divided into 3 parts and remembered. All these techniques help in strengthening our memories.
Try to visualize– Sometimes, things can be better remembered when visualized and moreover, related to certain colors, tastes, or smells. Simply put, any information can stay longer in the memory when not just taken as a piece of written documents and information but as an experience as a whole.
Shun the internet and put your brain to use– Technology has made us lazy. We forget something and instantly Google the word. Instead, we should try to retrieve the data from our memory. This will help in reinforcing the neural pathways. Another common attempt is to use the GPS for navigation. Studies say that using such techniques can significantly shrink the hippocampus region of our brains that is associated with spatial memory. Not using enough of this part can cause a decline in memory and dementia.
Healthy sleeping habits– It is said that sleeping at the same time every day can help in boosting memory powers. Also avoiding bright screens just before bedtime can help by maintaining a steady circadian rhythm that is governed by the hormone melatonin. Melatonin production is affected by a bright light which in turn disrupts sleep.
Eat healthy food– A healthy balanced diet can save our memories effectively. Diets including green vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, herbs spices, olive oil, fatty fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can all add up to a good memory. DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and MIND (Mediterranean –DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diets have the ability to improve memory and reduce the chances of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Sugary and salted processed food, red meat, and fried food should be avoided. Water intake should be increased.
A healthy lifestyle is important for the overall well-being of any person. Regular exercises to keep the weight under check, meditating, practicing yoga, and socializing while enjoying nature should be made a part of the living to improve memory capacity. Unnecessary medications like anti-depressants can affect memory too. If we start early, we can help improve our memories for the future surely.
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.