photo by Chris Benson via Unsplash

by leon collier, guest contributor

The human brain is incredible. It keeps valuable information from childhood events to where you put your keys last night. Having a healthy brain and memory promotes a high-quality life performance. Although our mental faculties fade with age, it’s not a definitive sentence. Older individuals and seniors can take care of their memory by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing mental exercises.

Youngsters have an advantage, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Even if the school already provides plenty of mental practices, students shouldn’t overlook the importance of training their memory.     

Genetics also has a role in determining how well you remember things. Some people are better equipped than others; there’s nothing to be done. However, by practicing specific memory techniques, you can overcome even the least favorable heredities. Most of the methods revolve around three elements: association, impression, and reiteration. The following list gives guidance to people looking to improve their memory fast. These five remembering techniques require some time and effort before seeing real results though. 

Grab a paper and start sketching different situations where you have to use your memory. Then, try to apply each method and see what works for you. Imagine you’re a scholar or book report writer, and you’re trying to analyze the next concepts. Pick the points you like the most, and practice from there. 

What was I saying? Oh, yeah, the list. Let’s jump straight in. 

5. Major System

Harry Lorayne’s Number Mnemonics technique is a method used to remember numbers. It associates numbers with sounds:

• 0=soft c, s, z
• 1=d, t
• 2=n
• 3=m
• 4=r
• 5=l
• 6=ch, j, soft g, sh
• 7=hard g, k
• 8=f, v
• 9=b, p

Sure, it might take a little bit of practice but can prove efficient for you. For example, 55 could be “LOL,” or 115 could be “TTYL” (talk to you later).

4. N.A.M.E. scheme

This strategy takes the example of learning the name of a person after you’ve met for the first time. The acronym stands for: 

• Notice: analyze the name briefly and note any particularities; 
• Ask: ask the person to repeat the name if you haven’t got it the first time;
• Mention: repeat it a few times and mention it out loud; 
• Envision: associate the name with something visual. 

3. The Protégé Effect

An old proverb says, “If you need to learn something, teach it to someone else.” There’s a hidden memorization quality in explaining the discussion subject to someone else. Studies indicated that the brain organizes itself faster when preparing to teach another about recently learned things. Thus, the brain improves its understanding more quickly and recalls more effectively.    

2. Repeat Out Loud 

Pronouncing the concepts you want to memorize is one of the basic ideas of mnemonics. Repeating out loud is especially true when studying or reading. Professional essay writers can’t stress this enough: whether you’re reading a paper or creating one yourself, reading aloud is the most useful way to memorize and understand concepts. 

1. Underline keywords

Scribbling on the side, underlining keywords, and highlighting main ideas are productive ways of active reading. Apart from reading out loud, you should interact with the text as much as possible. Write and underline central concepts for faster memorization. 

Lifestyle tips

Challenging projects

Learning a new language or instrument, listening to lyrical music, engaging in challenging video games or work projects can train the mind into developing a more efficient memory.  

Working out 

Lifting weights and cardio exercises provide better blood flow to the brain and increases capacity. 

Reading and writing 

Pretty much self-explanatory, reading, writing, and listening train your memory. 

The mind’s a muscle. Well, not really, but it acts like one, so it’s paramount to train it accordingly. There are many memory techniques, but almost all focus on impression, association, and reiteration. A healthy way of life will allow you to be more successful in memorizing things. And remember, practice makes perfect!

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