As we get older our brain goes through structural and functional changes but loosing our youth doesn’t mean we have to loose our minds too. Studies show that we can retain our memory capabilities by practicing a few simple strategies. Here are a few techniques we can start applying now.
Challenge your mind:
Pursuing education and turning learning into a habit enables our minds to reach potential. Reading, doing puzzles, learning new words or pursuing a new skill will encourage our brain to form new connections.
Included all senses:
Using more than one sense while studying will help you retain information better. Light floral scented candles while studying for a test. Join a ceramics class and recognize how the materials smell and feel to help you learn the process better.
Don’t buy into myths:
Getting older doesn’t mean you become prone to forgetting things. Accepting this fallacy will only discourage you from taking control and working at maintaining and improving your memory skills
Work smarter not harder:
Use calendars and write yourself reminders for appointments and write down your shopping needs so that you can preserve space for learning new concepts at work or school. There’s no need to clutter your mind. Maintain cleanliness to eliminate distractions. Keeping order within your workspace will help you stay focused on important things you need to remember.
Repeat:
When you want to remember a person’s name speak it as you converse with them. “So Ron, where are you from originally?” You will reinforce the connection and are more apt to remember it.
Use creative techniques:
Mnemonics are a great way to help you remember things. One example I learned in second grade for remembering the planets in our solar system. My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas or Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto (Pluto was still recognized as a planet in 1992).
