Various types of memory are stored in different parts of the human brain. Quickly, the brain is able to access information that we need to carry out specific activities like when a student takes an exam, facts and information need to be readily available. But our minds do not always allow us to retrieve the memories when we need them. Sometimes it’s trivial, like when we tear the house apart looking for the glasses that have been sitting on our heads the whole time. Sometimes these memory lapses are embarrassing like when you forget your best friend’s birthday. Gratefully memory lapses are not a done deal. You do not have to live with this the rest of your life. Improving your memory is not impossible. There are some easy techniques that you can do to enhance your recollection of information. It does not matter if you are a District Attorney arguing a complex case or someone who is worried about passing the LCATs, there are a few things that everyone can do to improve their memory.
I know you have heard people say, tying a string around your finger to remember something, don’t you? Amusing as it may sound, this actually makes sense. By putting something in your environment slightly askew, you can create a visual reminder for yourself. It is important to take the time to create a strong visualization for why there is a string around your finger. This will better help you to remember what it is you are trying to remember. You don’t always have to use a string. You can try wearing a ring on a different finger and/or wearing your wrist watch on the opposite hand. You can also try using an object in your environment. For example, if you are driving to work and need to remember to pick up your dry cleaning, try placing something on your dashboard blocking your view of the road after you park the car. You won’t forget to pick up your dry cleaning because your view will be blocked with the strange object.
When trying to recall recent information, using visualization and association will help you to accomplish this. This technique requires you to transform words into graphic images so that you recall the words better. For example, let’s say that you need to remember that you have a doctor’s appointment at three in the afternoon and you don’t want to forget it. Try visualizing an image for three, make it funny and amusing. This could be the story of the “Three Little Pigs.” Visualize those three little pigs waiting around in the doctor’s office talking to other patients and reading US Today. Funny images that are associated with whatever it is that you are trying to remember helps the brain to recall them better. Remembering your important doctor’s appointment at three o’clock won’t be so difficult because now you will quickly relate it to that funny image of the three pigs.
Improving your memory does not have to be difficult. Using easy methods like the ones suggested can help tremendously. If you put your tricks into action everyday, it will get to be a habit and you will begin to have an easier time remembering things that you once had a hard time with.
