Brain Power Tips

People can easily be shown how to improve the memory system.  What most people don’t realize though is our brain is like a machine – it needs to be well-oiled and supplied with sufficient power to operate smoothly.  And did you know there are several different types of memories?

Before learning how to improve the memory system, we need to understand how our memory works.  When new information is assimilated, it is store in our short term memory and lasts a few seconds to a few minutes.  We can hold anywhere from five to nine ideas at any one time.  By studying the idea or repeating it, it is transferred to our long term memory.  Long term memories can last decades.

Try to remember new things in groups (known as “chunking”).  When you learn a new telephone number, for instance, you remember the ten numbers as two groups of three and a group of four rather than individually.  You can utilize this skill in other areas as well.  People learning Morse code back in the days of the telegraph were more successful when they learned to group the dots and dashes together to represent a letter rather than try to hear each sound alone.

The old technique of tying a string around your finger works too.  When you tie a string around your finger, you’ll wonder why it is there.  This will remind you of some task you need to do.  Although a string will work, using a pen to draw a small x on your index finger knuckle will usually suffice.

You can do mental exercises as well.  By doing things differently, we will force our brain to work harder.  Write down the chorus of your favorite song – backwards then forwards.  There are many mind games you can play to better your memory.

Now you know the different types of memories and how to improve the memory system.  Just remember to work your brain every day!

What Are the Keys to Improving Short Term Memory?