Short Term Memory : Guidelines to Improving Your Memory Changing Your Behavior

Article by Mike Andrews

Having a good memory greatly benefits living everyday life. Let’s define two types of memory and talk about behaviors you can change to improve your memory. Short-term memory involves remembering information like lists, phone numbers, dates, and names to mention a few, and long-term memory is your ability to remember things from your past. The good news is that changing your behavior to improve your memory can be easy.

Imagine stopping by the grocery store on your way home from work and finding that you did not bring the list of items you need for the week. If you have a good short-term memory, you will likely remember the items from the list and save yourself some time by getting the shopping done. If you forgot to bring the grocery list with you, then remembering some of the items might also be a problem.

Did you know some research indicates that simply reading aloud will help you better remember the information you read? The brain connects with the information better for some people when they speak and hear the words they are reading. This is just one quick way you can change your behavior to improve your memory.

Physical exercise is another behavior you can easily change to improve your memory. Increasing oxygen and nutrients to the brain by increasing blood flow through exercise help the brain and mind function properly. Studies show that mental performance is improved when a person is more physically active and memory is also improved.

Alcohol also has an interesting effect on memory. Too much alcohol hinders the memory but, although more work needs to be done, light drinkers have performed better on select memory tests than nondrinkers and those who drink heavily. Interestingly, the benefits of one of the flavonoids in red wine for blood vessel function and affecting memory is also found in red grape juice. Changing drinking behavior in this way makes it possible for people of all ages to take advantage of this resource.

We also need to know how stress in our lives affects memory. Depression is a factor influencing memory, and the brain is selective about which memories become long-term memories. Depressed people tend to remember negative memories and have a hard time with their ability to concentrate. They find it difficult to remember anything new they are learning in school or at work. Depression has affected the person’s ability to focus and they feel like they are being forgetful, when perhaps they have not concentrated on the task well enough in the first place.

Anyone can benefit from improving their memory. Understanding how your behavior affects memory is essential to making changes that will help you improve your memory. Change your behavior, improve your memory, and change your life.