Short Term Memory : How Does Your Behavior Affect Your Memory?

Article by John MacRaay

Eight Seconds

It takes time for you to be able to fully focus attention on a thing, and transfer what you are focusing on from short-term memory to long-term.

Can you guess how long? That’s right, eight seconds.

If you are going to commit to increasing the effectiveness of your memory, you need to make a conscious effort to pay specific attention. If you negate paying special attention, then the rest of your efforts will all be useless.

When discussing “memories”, I am referencing both memories that have been moved into the long-term memory, as well as those in the short-term. In both, we keep important information like to-do-lists, names, faces, birthdays, etc.

All peoples can seek the benefits of memory improvement to help them remember information like this.

Can I Actually Do This?

Altering your daily behavior in an attempt at memory improvement is not impossible – nor is it as difficult as you probably imagine.

Find strategies that work for you, and stick to them. For instance, in my case, when I read, it helps me remember the information if I read it out loud. By way of including two senses (sight and sound), I am more easily able to commit the information to memory.

Surprisingly, there is even evidence that alcohol in moderation can actually improve memory at cognitive ability.

Remember Moderation

Keep in mind that alcohol in excess is poor for the memory. However, many studies have illustrated the positive effect of moderate alcohol intake. Moderate drinkers seem to do better on memory tests than do non-drinkers and heavy drinkers.

Furthermore, one of the most effective flavonoids in red wine – the one which experts believe has beneficial effects for blood and memory – is also contained in red grape juice. That said, this tip is now suitable for people of any age and most diet restrictions.

Stress’ Effect on Your Memory

Try to avoid getting overly stressed out with road rage, anger, and anxiety. In time, these things will begin to deteriorate your mental well-being.

One of the worst things for your cognitive abilities is depression. One of the primary symptoms of depression is the inability to retain concentration. This causes depression to be misdiagnosed as a memory problem, sometimes.

When people have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, or their job, it often makes one feel as though they are always forgetting. However, this is not necessarily the case. What seems like forgetfulness is occurring because these people have an inability to concentrate effectively – they are not learning to begin with.

Furthermore, when someone with depression remembers things, the depression causes them to remember mostly negative things.

The Brain Needs Oxygen

In order for the brain to function at its peak capacity, it needs to get energy by way of a constant flow of oxygen from the blood. Therefore, an increase in the amount of exercise one does is essential. Exercising is a great way to get oxygen to the brain.

Exercise is good for the body, as well as the mind. Memory experts agree that the more physically active a person is, the better they will perform cognitively.

Improve Brain Function, Improve Your Life

There are a lot of tips out there on how a memory can be improved, but for them to work, one must make behavioral changes. All of the techniques are contingent on one’s dedication, and lifestyle change.

Related Short Term Memory Articles