Memory is much more than just recalling where you left your keys or whether you turned off the stove; it’s the core of learning, of who we are and how we think, of what we can do and what’s possible. Learning how memory works, and learning how to employ it far more effectively can change your ability to absorb information and process skills, not to mention life’s daily challenges. Today’s neuroscientists have learned that memory is pretty malleable and improvable, which gives a glimmer of hope to both scatterbrains and anyone else who’d like to sharpen their mental prowess and ability to consume information.
How Memory Actually Works
Memory is formed through three separate phases: encoding, storage, and retrieval. “When your brain is encoding — turning experiences into neural patterns — you can get it to do that more efficiently,” Professor Gold said. “Storage” refers to the repeated association of these patterns, while “retrieval” represents the invoking of stored activity upon demand. The process isn’t akin to recording a video, she said — it’s more like piecing together a story anew every time, which is why memories can become modified over time.
There are different kinds of memory for a reason. Short-term memory manages immediate data manipulation and long-term memory controls data stored indefinitely. Knowing these systems enables you to decide on different techniques for different learning objectives.
Tried-and-Tested Memory Improvement Strategies
Here are a few scientifically-verified methods that can do wonders for your retention:
- Spaced repetition – study information in increasing intervals rather than cramming all at once
- Active recall – test yourself on the material instead of re-reading notes
- Elaborative encoding – connect new info to what you already know and what you have personally experienced
- Visual imagery – form mental pictures / diagrams to represent abstract concepts
- Method of loci – associate information with familiar locations you know well
- Chunking – organize related information into smaller, manageable units
The trick is to match techniques to your learning style and to the type of information you’re trying to remember. Doing complex statistical analysis, such as calculating odds and probabilities used in betting online platforms, uses different memory strategies than memorizing historical dates or learning a new language.
Making Memory Methods Useful
Steady and slow wins the memory improvement race. Short, frequent practice works better than marathon study sessions. Design a system that works for you — maybe a quick overview with your morning coffee or maybe have an audio review during your commute.
Mix and match, Optimize-Use 2 or more techniques for best results. When you learn new skills, employ visual imagery, spacing the repetitions, and linking it with what you already know. The more routes you build up into a store of information, the easier it is to access.
Wrapping Up
Enhancing your memory is not just about having a “good” or “bad” memory — it’s about understanding memory and using specific strategies to get the most out of your mind on a daily basis. They sound like a lot of work at first, and they can be, but once you start doing them they literally become second nature and the rest should be easy and apply to everything and all learning across the board. It’s worth noting that everyone’s brain is wired differently and so you may have to practice several of these tactics until you find the combination that works best for you. It takes some work, and time, but you can multiply your ability to remember information when you need it.