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Upgrade Your Brainpower
As each day unfolds, we are challenged to remember a multitude of things, such as phone numbers, driving directions, names, tasks, and moment-to-moment requests. So, why do we forget and what can we do about it, especially if our once perfect memory has now become faulty and unpredictable?
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"The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success."
Irving Berlin, American musician, 1888-1989 | |
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Let's start off by understanding what a memory actually is. There are two types we use daily: short-term memory and long-term memory. Both of these are important for our everyday functioning. We learn new material (a name, a date, directions, all things) with the use of short-term memory.
Long-term memory is what we need to survive and function. It allows us to go through our day almost effortlessly when we brush our teeth, comb our hair and eat our breakfast.
We also learn information in what are called "chunks" of memory. If we take learning a new action in pieces and learn one piece at a time, we can put them all together and repeat the action.
All forms of memory are affected by several factors. Stress is a big destroyer of memory chunks and affects every aspect of our performance. Have you ever noticed when you are overwhelmed and someone asks for your telephone number and you cannot remember it?
Stress and illness can affect brain functioning and can cause constriction of blood flow. Good memory occurs when the flow of healthy oxygen nourishes the brain and creates overall health and well-being. When we feel rushed and pushed by time constraints, it can affect a person's performance and ability to remember.
Fortunately, with good health and exercise, reduced stress levels and mental challenges, you can retain your memory. Today and tomorrow Promotional Consultant Today will look at some helpful hints boost your brainpower.
1. Memories begin as short-term memories and when they are encoded and practiced, they are placed in the long-term memory banks. The memory process occurs as chunks of memory are placed in storage for retrieval at a later time, so practice storing and retrieving information you want for later use.
Memory chunks need to time to solidify and this is accomplished with practice, repetition and making memory a conscience action.
2. Memory can be impaired by illness, accidents, trauma, stress and time limits. Obviously, it is important to do what you can to protect yourself from serious injury, such as wearing the right gear when involved with sports or recreational activities, and reducing stress when you can by cutting out unhealthy habits, situations and even relationships.
3. You can help improve your memory with practice and preparation to learn new material. It is also important, when retrieving materials that were learned previously, to store them in chunks.
For example, when children learn to play the piano, they are asked to learn the piano keys by memorizing sentences, which explain the names of each key. This is also called "situational memory." An example of "situational" memory is memory chunks that are formed in the same place, in the same situation and the same environment.
By recreating the same learning conditions and having the same frame of mind, health, attention and focus, he or she is more likely to remember the information and have better retention.
Source: Nancy D. O'Reilly, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, researcher and founder of the online resource WomenSpeak.com, based on a decade of research. A member of the American Psychological Association with more than 25 years of experience, she is the author of the forthcoming Timeless WomenSpeak About Feeling Youthful At Any Age, and the hosts a radio program on Voice America. | |
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