Memory Techniques
Association and Visualization
On this page: Couple of important memory improvement techniques. Points to more memory techniques, and strategies to improve memory.
A couple of important memory improvement techniques have already been discussed earlier. Below are TWO additional memory techniques to ensure the data that needs to be retrieved from the memory, has actually gotten in there in the first place. These techniques can be used to help with long term memory as well as short term memory loss. "Memory is the library of the mind." -Francis Fauvel-Gourand
√ Associate new information to that already existing in your memory Raw information stored in your long term memory is like books stored in a massive library.
It is easier to place and retrieve a new book in the library, if you know to which other existing books is this new book associated to. Similarly, it is so much easier to commit new material to memory, if we find a way to associate it to the information already existing in our mind. Indexing information in such a way also makes it that much easier to retrieve it from memory, should the need arise at a later point in time.
For Instance: Say a friend tells you her birthday is March 8. After thinking about it for a second, you realize that it is one day earlier than your spouse's birthday, Feb 9, but in the subsequent month. So you found a way to associate your friend's birthday which you just heard, to your spouse's birthday, which was already stored in your mind. By establishing this link, a random date now got extra significance, which makes it a lot more easier to not only register and retain it in your mind, but also retrieve it at a subsequent time.
√ Visualize the scenario in your mind's eye As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So by picturizing your scenario, you could potentially save yourselves from memorizing several words instead! You could even make a movie out of the information, by tacking successive pictures together in a sequence that makes sense.
Visual memory is stronger than its verbal counterpart. By adding the visual element to your information, you are making it so much easier for it to be absorbed into your long term memory, as well as for retrieving it later."I visualize things in my mind before I have to do them. It's like having a mental workshop." -Jack Youngblood
For Instance: A good example for using Visualization memory techniques is for remembering directions to a particular place. Instead of remembering something like "Take left at third light, right at second STOP sign, fourth house to your right", try to picture the location of that house relative to your current position. Observe the details in the picture for a second, like traffic lights and STOP signs. Once your mind is clear on this picture, going to your destination becomes so much of a second nature, without actually remembering verbal details of the directions given to you.
Got other interesting memory improvement techniques up your sleeve? Share it here and see what others think of it.
Scientific Brain TrainingThere are few other memory techniques on this website, including strategies of memory mnemonics, that can help ensure that the data is transferred from short term memory to long term memory. "We do not remember days, we remember moments." -Cesare Pavese
One great way to keep your brain sharp and active is playing brain games regularly. Brain games can be fun and effective as memory techniques, and signing up for Lumosity brain training program is an easy way to get access to plenty of such games. Lumosity has tons of scientifically designed brain games, catering to different areas of brain training - like speed, memory, attention, flexibility and problem solving. They have a 14 day free trial for you to get a taste of it, before you decide to join their monthly subscription. If you cancel during the free trial, it doesn't cost you anything. Try the scientific brain training program by Lumosity. It’s fun and it improves memory and attention. Get started for free.
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