Improve Memory Retention

Diet And Your Memory: How To Eat Better

Improve Memory Retention - Brain surgeons have discovered that we retain a memory of every sensory impression received in our lives. But as we age, we may have increasing difficulty in bringing these memories to the surface when we need them. We know the information is stored in our brain. Here are some tips to help tap into this reservoir.

When trying to commit a large amount of information to memory, having several shorter study sessions is significantly better than having one long study session. The reason for this is that it takes several separate instances of reviewing the material in order to commit the material to long term memory. Holding the information in long term memory will allow you to more readily recall the information than if it was stored in short term memory.

A key to keeping your memory sharp as a tack is to keep up your social relationships. By surrounding yourself with friends and family, especially those that you consider a great support system, you are helping your memory to stay alive. Research actually shows that those with the most active lifestyle showed the slowest rate of memory loss.

The phrase "use it or lose it" definitely applies to your memory. Make time to engage in activities that require you to recall information, such as crossword puzzles, learning a new skill or reading. Teaching someone else is also a good way to make active use of your memory and prevent it from becoming rusty.

Stop telling yourself you have a weak memory. When you say these things you begin to plant the thought in your mind and it becomes a reality. Remind yourself constantly that you have a great memory and you can remember anything as long as you put your mind to the task. You will see an improvement in your recall ability.

Don't skip on the sleep if you want to improve your memory. It is when we sleep that our brains really go to work. During deep sleep our brains are incredibly active in processing information and trying to understand problems. Skimping on your sleep will start having an almost immediate effect on your memory.

To improve your memory, try a glass or two of wine. You may be surprised to know that wine in moderation can help improve your memory. Red wines are the highest in resveratrol, a chemical that increases your brain power and may even prevent Alzheimer's disease. Just don't drink too much or it may hurt your memory instead of helping it!

When you need to learn something, practice it repeatedly. The more times you practice something, the better recall you will have. This is a way of coding something into the part of you brain that is responsible for long-term memory. If you do not practice, the new information will remain in short-term memory and will be easily forgotten.

Try to avoid food high in salt and saturated fats, including fast food. It has been scientifically proven that these foods can lead to carotid artery disease, which cuts off the brain's oxygen supply. Losing oxygen prevents the part of the brain that holds memory from learning and obtaining information.

Although it is a fact that many people do not know, chewing gum can improve your memory. Medical professionals have found that the motion of chewing gum slightly increases your heart rate. Even the slightest increase in heart rate can help supply more oxygen to the brain, thus improving memory.

To improve your memory, try to put on classical music if you are able to. Classical music can be soothing and relaxing to the mind, and can also help with memory improvement. This setup is ideal for a long soak in the bathtub just before bedtime.

If you have a bad memory, and you happen to remember something you need to do in the near future, do it now instead. You lessen the risk of forgetting to do it when it is required. For instance, let's say you have a DVD due back to the movie rental store tomorrow. Bring it back today so you do not forget.

A great way to improve memory and brain elasticity is to read a large variety of books. Read novels from all eras and places as well as histories, self help books, nonfiction books, and anything else you can find. The different types of information you take in give your brain a workout.

A way to improve brain function and memory is to mix things up in your daily routine. Humans get attached to routines and hobbies and doing the same thing repeatedly, but the more something is ingrained in us, the less effort it takes the brain to carry out. Try little new things like going to the store a different way or opening all doors with the wrong hand to keep your brain on its toes.

Pay attention - it will help your memory! When you meet someone for the first time, try to imagine how to spell their name in your mind or ask them about the spelling. You can clarify the spelling of Tracy by asking if it is spelled with an "i" at the end or "y". Comment on the things you learn to ingrain them in your memory. Repeat the name during your initial conversation to lock it into memory.

We hope these tips will be helpful to you when you go fishing for information in that great reservoir of memory. These are tips others have been able to put to use effectively. You may come up with some of your own. Here's to a long life and a vivid memory!