Short Term Memory : Memory Melioration

Article by Melva Lynch

Memory improvement is an accomplishment we’re all capable of. Human brain is a very complicated organ, so, as with physical improvement, improving your memory takes consistent exercise. First of all, it’s important to understand how the memory works.

The Mechanisms of Memory

Basically, memory is remembering the information that you previously acquired. There are two main types: short-term and long-term.

* Short-term memory: This information is stored for only seconds or minutes. Within this memory you can hold approximately seven pieces of information. * Long-term memory: This is the information that’s stored for a longer time. This could be because it’s meaningful or you need to remember it, for example, for a test. Procedural long-term memories you can remember immediately, for instance, daily routines, whereas others require more effort.

In order to store information the brain has to undertake three steps:

* Acquisition: New information is received into your brain via neurons. It takes concentration to ensure this information is encoded properly.* Consolidation: Once encoded, the hippocampus controls the trigger to store this information as a long-term memory.* Retrieval: The information is retrieved by the brain activating the same pathway of neurons it used when it stored it.

Memory Improvement Techniques

There are three main brain exercises you can try which improve memory.* New skills: Engaging your brain with a new subject area that interests you is great for memory improvement, from learning Japanese or taking up chess to attempting yoga.* New stimulations: This involves simply changing a routine and can be as small as brushing your hair with your other hand. In your brain, this stimulates the non-dominant part which doesn’t usually get activated.* Neurobic exercises: Here, you aim to confuse your brain by using your senses in a different way, for example, dressing yourself with your eyes shut.

There’s also a variety of daily tips you can do for memory improvement:

* Concentrate: In order to encode information properly, you need to make sure that you pay close attention.* Senses: When attempting to remember a piece of information, try to use all the senses you can. * Learning styles: Different people remember information better in different ways. Become aware which is best for you.* Connections: Try to relate new data to old.* Understand: If you have a complex idea, instead of trying to remember all the facts, simply understand the basic principles.* Organize: This involves physically organizing data, for example, on a calendar or in a folder.* Motivation: Keep a positive attitude. A negative attitude will only limit you further.* Review: Go over the information you’ve already learnt. It’s more effective to learn over a period of time, then attempt to cram it in.

Memory improvement is beneficial in all aspects of life. Although it takes time and effort, there are a variety of memory-improving techniques which can assist you.

Memory improvement may take effort, but the methods to achieve it are simple. By exercising your brain daily, you’ll be sure to notice the difference.