Can I Get a Photographic Memory? : Photographic Memory

Article by Timothy Romano

You’ve heard the stories about people who are able to read a piece of text just once, and remember all of it perfectly. Are those people born with special abilities, or can anyone get a photographic memory by taking specialized courses and training? There is no evidence that such a phenomenon even exists, and most psychology experts agree that it is a myth. There is certainly no doubt that some people have extraordinary abilities to memorize information, but the term “photographic memory” in the true sense of the word may just be impossible.

There is a term known as eidetic memory, which is the closest thing to photographic that researchers have been able to agree actually exists. People with eidetic memories are able to view an image, then recall vivid details about that image when it is taken away. The person’s memory of the image is quite impressive and extraordinary, but the problem lies with the fact that it fades over a short amount of time. This ability seems to be more common with children, and often is lost or degraded as years go by.

So, now that we know it’s not realistic to try to train to get a photographic memory, we can set goals that we are able to attain. The truth is that anyone can improve their memory, and even to quite remarkable levels. There is no magic formula to attaining the goal of improving your memory, but by taking a few specific steps, you can be well on your way to a more powerful mind.

One of the first things you must realize is that there are barriers to your memory in the form of distractions, such as noise and stress. Making an effort to eliminate or reduce these distractions can have a profound effect on your ability to remember important information. Learning a mind calming technique such as yoga or meditation is a highly effective way to start overcoming these roadblocks.

Another recommendation for individuals who wish to improve their memory is to give the brain the proper amount of exercise. Just like the rest of the human body, the brain needs to be exercised to remain in top working order. A great way to go about this is by keeping the brain active with games, activities, and hobbies. You can try learning a foreign language, which is actually one of the most effective ways to give the brain a work out. It’s something that anyone can do, and only 30-45 minutes per day of study is needed to see great results.

Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and Scrabble are all fun activities you can try that will be beneficial to the brain. Try to talk a friend or relative into playing chess or checkers with you. The strategy involved in these types of games require use of regions of the brain that aren’t regularly tasked by many individuals. Additionally, it’s a fun way to interact with other people, which has been proven to reduce stress, and increase overall happiness and personal satisfaction.

These are just a few basic actions that anyone can take to improve the power of their memory, but they are easy to try, and results are soon to follow. Although most people can’t train themselves to get a photographic memory, they can certainly train their brain to improve memory power.

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