10 Steps to Improve Your Memory

In modern day and age, the discussion on memory often revolves around remembering short-term ideas and plans.

But what about information that we have to keep in mind on a regular basis? What about remembering things that are essential to how we perform and operate? We have collected some tips and tricks to help you not forget those important things or even just keep your brain in shape.

Don’t stop learning

Scientists believe that when you don’t challenge your brain on a regular basis, some parts of it can atrophy and stop forming new connections between your brain cells. Thankfully, we live in the world where information is not a deficit – so take on a new online-course, or a series of educational videos and absorb new knowledge!

Find a new hobby

When people think about brain function and hobbies, they usually mean something challenging, like chess or Go. But even the most practical things like painting or knitting can make a substantial change in your mind’s activity. Crafting hobbies help deal with depression, can help stop the brain from aging and have a power similar to meditation.

Find peace with yourself

Speaking of meditation. Although it might seem like its benefits are blown out of proportion, but researchers believe it to be a series of push-ups for your cognitive “body.” It increases your focus and attention and provides better performance of your brain.

Don’t skip on a good night’s sleep

Although this seems to be a very personal preference, an average person needs between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day to avoid sleep deprivation, which, in its turn can mess up your creativity, critical thinking, and memorizing capabilities.

Create shortcuts

Nowadays, everything from business to everyday small talk relies on abbreviations and acronyms. If you find this to be helpful, try incorporating it into your daily life. No surprise abbreviations are often used in schools to make children memorize factual information. Or try making mnemonic pegs to remember lists.

Unlock your inner artist

Don’t be afraid to visualize whatever you need to remember, even if it seems funny or even absurd. It may just be that your visual memory is stronger than verbal. It also helps to make it as vivid as possible. Also, building a story around your needs will make it sharper for your perception.

Find time for laughter

Hearing jokes and laughter engages areas of the brain vital to creativity and memory. Even working out a punchline or a clever answer stimulates your thinking. No wonder they say “laughter is the best medicine.”

Stay healthy

This item on the list has many benefits apart from making your memory work for you. There are even special diets, aimed at helping you resolve memory issues. The Mediterranean diet, for instance, has been shown to boost cognitive abilities in adults.

Discuss your meds with your doc

If your work primarily relies on your ability to remember information, talk to your doctor about the side effects of the medication you are taking. An entire group of medication, including painkillers, over-the-counter sleeping aids, and antihistamines are notorious for making you more forgetful. If you notice any signs of memory loss, contact your doctor immediately.

Observe yourself

Even with an extensive amount of tips and advice on how to improve your memory available at your fingertips, everything depends on you. Try to discover a pattern or a lifestyle that you feel can benefit you regarding memory. And remember, you’re not stuck with the memory you have forever. Think of it like a muscle – work it out!