As people age, one of the first things they may encounter is the loss of short-term memory. It may be more difficult to remember daily tasks, or to locate your keys. In order to make sure your memory is as sharp as it can be, read the tips in this article.
Keep a running list of the things you want to accomplish each day. As you finish one item, cross it off and move on to the next. Simultaneously, keep adding items at the bottom of the list as they arise. In this way you will never forget what you need to do next.
If you need to remember a complicated piece of information, use the mnemonics technique. This is a way of associating the information with something that is common and familiar. When you make that association, you can think of the common item, and it will trigger your memory of the more complicated piece of information.
Try to stay away from pills that promise to help improve your memory. Most of the time, these pills are not effective and could cause you physical problems. Instead, you may want to look into supplements like Niacin, Thiamine, and Vitamin B-6. They all help to improve the part of the brain that deals with memory.
If you have a hard time remembering to do important things, you may want to leave yourself a voice message. Looking at your phone and seeing that you have a message will help to remind you that you have something important thing to do. Text messaging is another convenient reminder technique.
Keep lists of everything. Keep a shopping list at all times. Hang it on your refrigerator. Every time you think of something you need, add it to the list. This will help make sure you don’t forget anything. Keep lists for other things as well, such as things that need done around your house.
Try to visualize what you are trying to remember. When you see a mental picture of what you want to learn, you can recall it better. Visualize things like images, charts, or special aspects of the material that you are reading. When you remember those characteristics, you can recall the material more effectively.
Many people suggest creating relationships between a new concept or image and an amusing phrase or picture. This type of creative thinking makes it easier to store new information for later access. When things are more funny and information is easier to handle, you will have a better time.
Work on linking the material you wish to commit to memory with something you already have memorized. Creating links between old and new information will increase the potential for keeping both in your permanent memory banks. Plus, when you do this, you also speed up your ability to remember things as well.
A good tip that can help you improve your memory is to make sure that you’re keeping your stress levels in check. Too much stress has been shown to severely impair memory functions. Take some time to relax and unwind if you are looking to improve your memory.
Makes use of calendars, agendas and other planners. Buy a planner and write everything down. Use your schedule not just to jot down upcoming commitments, but also to check daily to make sure you know what’s coming up. When you write things down, it helps your mind remember them. Your brain doesn’t have to remember as much, and these things are handy and helpful in case you forget.
A great tip that can help you improve your memory is to relate the information you want to remember to something you already know. This is a great way to prevent a piece of information from getting lost in the shuffle. Relating information can be a great way to improve your memory.
Keep your memory sharp by playing brain games often. Crossword puzzles, number games, and trivia are great examples. Brain games keep your memory sharp. They also improve your concentration level and attention span. Use them as a fun way to greatly enhance your cognitive abilities.
Many people use visualization to remember information. Try visualizing what you wish to remember, create mind pictures, draw diagrams or charts to aid in remembering information in textbooks or during lectures at school. The mind is very effective in remembering visual details and recalling images, even images long-forgotten.
Find someone to work with. If you know someone who needs to remember the same information, take turn explaining it to each other. When you hear someone explain it to you, you will be able to make sure you understood the same thing. When you explain something to someone else, you are rephrasing the content.
Although memory loss is often part of the experience of aging, you don’t have to impede your progress due to a bad memory. By using the tips in this article, like making notes and reminders, you can ensure that you will be able to function as well as you always have.