5 Ways To Increase Your Memory

There’s nothing quite like looking back on a moment and immediately becoming immersed by the memory; recalling every detail, the sight, smell, or taste can transport you, allowing you to relive an experience time and time again.

How can we make sure that these moments are, in fact, unforgettable? As we age, our memories tend to decline, after all, especially if they go unattended.

If we choose to combat this happening, however, science is on our side. There are many ways to improve memory, but the following 5 are by far my favorites.

1. Meditate. Our working memory allows us to take in new information on a day-to-day basis. We hold the ability to store around seven learned things per day.

This takes work (hence the term “working memory.”) When we meditate, our brains stop processing new information, as our beta waves relax. Essentially, a well-rested brain becomes more agile and able to process and absorb information more easily.

2. Exercise Your Brain.While both mental and physical exercises increase the power to remember, creating exercises that specifically stimulate your brain is unparalleled in terms of strengthening memory.

This can include a variety of different challenges, such as a crossword puzzle, that cause you to focus and expand your mental abilities. It’s a good reason to take on that new habit of, say, learning the guitar… just don’t get too comfortable, because it’s the continuation of expanding your skills that works wonders.  

3. Make Time For Friends.Sometimes, it’s the simplest of activities that have the most profound benefits. Those who have a strong community of friends are less prone to memory loss.

This is especially helpful for seniors. And if you’re thinking that you’re covered because you have that special someone, or a big family, think again because the multiple studies out there refer to good, old fashion buddies.

4. Sleep. Turns out, while you were sleeping, your brain was at work, transferring information from region to region, solidifying memories so that, in waking hours, you can retain more information.

It’s incredible to think about what our bodies are capable of when we aren’t even conscious. Many studies show that when a person gets a good night’s sleep, they are more likely to remember information learned the day before.

5. Write By Hand.It’s been proven that, while the pitter patter of typed out notes allows for speed, if you want to actually retain the information you’re writing down you should do so by taking handwritten notes.

So grab your stainless steel mechanical pencil and your moleskin and get to writing, and allow your brain to process information in a more substantial way.