Friday, January 3, 2014

Mastering Your Memory

By Hedrick Lepsch


Many times we look at people with photographic memories and say to ourselves "I could never do that". The truth is that there are techniques out there that can be applied by normal people and help them do just as amazing mnemonic feats.

Our brains are not just a super computer, storing information to be filed away and retrieved when needed. The human brain is a living thing that grows and evolves just as the body it calls home. Much like muscles, lack of use and laziness can result in sluggishness and ultimately atrophy. A few simple facts, habits, and techniques can help you boost your brain power and remain mentally alert and active for years to come.

This is an obvious but often overlooked aspect of our memories. We really do remember the things that don't bore us so it is a good idea to make things exciting. This means that you need to be able to take the mundane and make it more abstract and visual. This can be done with names and people easily when you compare them to animals or associate colors with them.

Then there's the issue of diet. The average student usually eats whatever is available in whatever quantities available, but you should keep an eye on a couple of things if you're looking to enhance your memory. Beans, seeds and nuts are good things, since they are high in magnesium. This helps your brain record and remember things that you learn. Sometimes, a proper diet can be had from on-campus dining, but that usually isn't enough by itself.

Certain foods and activities can help boost your ability to think and remember while others will most certainly detract from that ability. With food and drink, the key is moderation, specifically when it comes to alcohol. Students are notorious for partying and, while fun, alcohol (and drugs) can seriously inhibit your brain and can even destroy neural pathways you have already created.

If you can connect information back to things that you already know and relate to then you will be able to pull it back out of your memory box. This can be tough if you don't practice using your imagination. This is really where all of your creativity can be a huge asset. Memorizing takes creative ways at memorizing information and spitting it back out when you need to.

There are so many different mnemonic techniques but all of them have one major similarity. It really takes a lot of practice to see results. You can't just expect to be running at full speed when you haven't learned how to use the technique all the way yet. With each technique it gets easier the more you do it, just like a sport or anything else you do. You can build habits and get your mind in the right frame so that when information pops up you are taking it all in and remembering the details.

Utilizing a few additional techniques can help you as you practice your memorization skills. Reciting information repeatedly is helpful but take the time to also write down what you are trying to remember. You may also try using visualization and association tricks to help you remember the facts you need to recall. And above all else, practice. Continuing to use these skills will only strengthen your ability to obtain, retain, and recall information on command.

Overall if you want to apply this to business management or any other degree you are studying it takes practice and overtime you will be able to apply it.




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