Tips For Improving Memory
No matter what your age or profession, there’s plenty or pressure these days to stay in top form, both physically and mentally. It is crucial that individuals of all ages, have a mental fitness program, just like you have a work-out schedule for your body. Like physical exercise, mental exercises may not always be easy and the results may not always be immediately evident.
But the potential benefits are worth effort. A mental fitness program will help you improve your memory increase your ability to think faster and to help you be more in all areas of your life.
Scientific research supports the “use it or lose it” philosophy for the brain, just like a muscle. In a special report titled “Improving Memory” by Havard University, the report states: “there is now substantial evidence that the brain is somewhat like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets – and the longer it stays strong. Another report by National Institute of Aging states: “studies have shown that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s Disease”. Science now shows that loss of memory and other cognitive functions, starts after the age of 25 so the sooner you start the better, but it’s never too late.
Scores of books, videos, Websites and seminars are devoted to memory enhancement. The steps below summarise the main points of most techniques.
1. Make sure you’re alert and attentive before trying to memorize anything.
2. Understand the material rather than merely memorizing, if it’s the type that requires deeper comprehension.
3. Look for larger patterns or ideas, and organize pieces of information into meaningful groups.
4. Link the new bits of knowledge with what you already know. Place what you learn into context with the rest of your knowledge, looking for relationships between ideas.
5. Engage your visual and auditory senses by using drawings, charts or music to aid memory.
6. Use mnemonics devices such as formulas or rhymes that serves as memory aids. For example, use the acronym ‘HOMES’ to memorize the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior).
7. Repeat and review what you’ve learned as many times as you can. Apply it or use it in conversation, as continual practice is the key to remembering things in the long term.
More tips
Things that interest you are easier to remember. Try to develop an interest in what you’re memorizing.
Your memory and thinking will function much better if you’re in good health, well-rested and properly hydrated.
Try writing down or reciting aloud what you’ve memorized. This can help etch it into your mind.
Author Diwakar vashist is a senior consultant of Institute of vedic science, New Delhi, India. he is working on the ancient vedic sciences i.e. vedic astrology, vedic vastu, hatha yoga, meditation etc. for more related informations visit http://www.shreevedic.com
