As the semester begins, you may wish you could remember everything your professors say the first time they say them. With so many classes and so much information it's hard to remember everything you need to do, where you're supposed to be and whether or not the Sartorius muscle abducts or adducts. Thankfully, memory isn't genetic so it's not hopeless if you feel your memory isn't quite as good at that student next to you who just aced the hardest test you've ever taken. Maybe they're lucky, or maybe they just know the memory tricks you don't. Here are a few tips and tricks to improve your memory this semester.
1. Get More Sleep
You need at least eight hours of sleep a night. It's during this time that the brain will move information from your short-term to your long-term memory. So all those hours of memorizing the names of bones and muscles will stick better for your lab exam! Before bed, stay away from the TV and other screens which will keep your brain more active. Try a relaxing bath or reading a book before hitting the sack.
2. Stay Active
When you exercise, you exercise your brain, not only your body. Take breaks while studying, get up off your chair and take a walk. This will get your blood flowing again and give you a chance to regroup and refocus. Take ten minutes, or just take a quick walk around the library.
3. Pay Attention
Seems simple, yet we all struggle with daydreaming during a boring lecture or during that story your friend is telling you that has already gone on five minutes too long. In order to effectively have something cement into your memory, you need to spend time paying attention to it. Minimize distractions like your cell phone and the TV when trying to focus on something at home. Stop multitasking. When you set down your glasses, say aloud "I am putting my glasses on the kitchen table" instead of absentmindedly putting them down while texting your BFF about your fabulous date to the school bowling tournament.
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4. Say Names
When you meet someone, immediately repeat their name back to them. "It's nice to meet you, ______". This causes you to pay attention to what they said in the first place. This works for more than just names of people. Help yourself remember terms, definitions, equations or anything else by repeating it aloud. It's hard to get distracted when you have to listen to what you are saying...even if it's a whisper or just making the motions with your mouth because you're on the second floor of the library.
5. Use Mnemonic Devices/ Trick Your Brain
This will give organization to a random group of words or concepts. If you can't remember the five areas of wellness, try remembering SPIES (social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual). Use a rhyme to remember your co-worker's name (Jed with the giant forehead). Chunking is another useful tactic when memorizing numbers. Take a long number like 2115798463 and break it down to a phone number. Now it's 211-579-8463.
6. Stay Mentally Active/ Brain Games
Put your brain to work by playing Sudoku, doing a crossword puzzle, reading a section of the newspaper you don't normally read, or driving to work using an alternative route. Some great websites with brain games include:
http://www.lumosity.com
http://www.websudoku.com/
http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords
Sources:
You need at least eight hours of sleep a night. It's during this time that the brain will move information from your short-term to your long-term memory. So all those hours of memorizing the names of bones and muscles will stick better for your lab exam! Before bed, stay away from the TV and other screens which will keep your brain more active. Try a relaxing bath or reading a book before hitting the sack.
2. Stay Active
When you exercise, you exercise your brain, not only your body. Take breaks while studying, get up off your chair and take a walk. This will get your blood flowing again and give you a chance to regroup and refocus. Take ten minutes, or just take a quick walk around the library.
3. Pay Attention
Seems simple, yet we all struggle with daydreaming during a boring lecture or during that story your friend is telling you that has already gone on five minutes too long. In order to effectively have something cement into your memory, you need to spend time paying attention to it. Minimize distractions like your cell phone and the TV when trying to focus on something at home. Stop multitasking. When you set down your glasses, say aloud "I am putting my glasses on the kitchen table" instead of absentmindedly putting them down while texting your BFF about your fabulous date to the school bowling tournament.
4. Say Names
When you meet someone, immediately repeat their name back to them. "It's nice to meet you, ______". This causes you to pay attention to what they said in the first place. This works for more than just names of people. Help yourself remember terms, definitions, equations or anything else by repeating it aloud. It's hard to get distracted when you have to listen to what you are saying...even if it's a whisper or just making the motions with your mouth because you're on the second floor of the library.
5. Use Mnemonic Devices/ Trick Your Brain
This will give organization to a random group of words or concepts. If you can't remember the five areas of wellness, try remembering SPIES (social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual). Use a rhyme to remember your co-worker's name (Jed with the giant forehead). Chunking is another useful tactic when memorizing numbers. Take a long number like 2115798463 and break it down to a phone number. Now it's 211-579-8463.
6. Stay Mentally Active/ Brain Games
Put your brain to work by playing Sudoku, doing a crossword puzzle, reading a section of the newspaper you don't normally read, or driving to work using an alternative route. Some great websites with brain games include:
http://www.lumosity.com
http://www.websudoku.com/
http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords
Sources:
Dunn, J. (2013,
September 14). 7 tricks to
improve your memory. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/09/14/7-tricks-to-improve-your-memory/
Edmonds, M. (2013,
June). Top 10 ways to improve
your memory. Retrieved from http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-ways-to-improve-memory.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff.
(2011, April 30). Memory loss:
7 tips to improve your memory. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001/NSECTIONGROUP=2
Pictures from:
http://thestreetwhereyoulive.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/people-are-talking/
http://rapgenius.com/1739205/Xv-squares/Now-im-all-up-in-your-brain
http://cannonmoorcroft.com/2013/03/11/can-brain-training-games-can-help-your-business/
Pictures from:
http://thestreetwhereyoulive.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/people-are-talking/
http://rapgenius.com/1739205/Xv-squares/Now-im-all-up-in-your-brain
http://cannonmoorcroft.com/2013/03/11/can-brain-training-games-can-help-your-business/
