Learning Skill: Memory

Memory is everything. Without it we would not even be able to string a sentence together. But like any other organ, the brain requires exercise to have a powerful memory

The human brain has the immense ability to store vast amounts of information. Memory is the power to recall and reproduce this information. Some of us have the gift of recollecting past events and experiences in vivid detail. On the other hand, some people have great difficulty recalling what they did a few hours ago. Memory is thus an amazing as well as a perplexing phenomenon.

It is also an important learning skill. In the process of learning new ideas and concepts, our brain adds on to its vast reservoir of existing information. And our memory assists us to browse through this repository of knowledge.

How to improve one’s memory?

Memory is a powerful faculty of our brain. A personal computer can store about 100 gigabytes or 100 billion bytes of information whereas an average human brain has the capacity to store up to 1000 trillion data points of information in neurons. However, we just use a fraction of this immense potential in our lifetime.

But like other organs of the body, the brain also needs to stay fit. If you do not subject your brain to regular exercise, it will grow dull and have an adverse effect on your ability to recall information. In short, you will start experiencing loss of memory.

Staying fit, constantly subjecting your brain to new situations, peaceful but an active lifestyle, and a healthy social life helps augment your memory. Ageing was once considered the main reason for memory loss. However, latest research says it is a fallacy. Even at an advanced age, the brain possesses the capacity to retain all the information deposited in one’s brain.

So here are some ways of improving your memory:

1. Physical exercise:

Physical activity increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to the brain.

• A fit brain resides in a fit body
• Do not lead a sedentary lifestyle it makes the brain dull
• Exercise regularly and take part in outdoor sporting activities

2. Mental exercise:

• Learning new things gives ample exercise to your brain
• Enhance your existing skill set
• Try something new:
       o Learn a new language
       o Join a hobby course
       o Develop your vocabulary
       o Read books
       o Cook a new dish
• Challenge your brain by doing things you have never done before
      o If you are a right-handed person use your left hand to do certain things
      o Try to do certain trivial things with your eyes shut
      o Visualise the articles in your room by closing your eyes
• Memory and strategy based games enhance brain power:
• Play Pelmanism, Chinese checkers, Chess, Go, and so on
• Solve riddles, brain teasers, and puzzles
• Solve crosswords, sudoku puzzle, and scrabble that appear in dailies
• Participate in quiz competitions
• The hand-eye coordination required for sketching and drawing provides ample exercise to the brain

3. Other factors:

• Make effective or positive reading a habit:
     o It develops memory retention
     o It also increases your intellectual horizon
• Lead a peaceful and a stress-free life:
     o Anxiety hampers the ability to think clearly
     o Too hectic schedule often exhausts the brain
• Meditation and yoga also helps boosts the power to concentrate
• Indulge in spiritual pursuits
• Give time to yourself: it improves your thought processes

4. Food habits:

• Food habits have an important bearing on your memory retention capacity
• Eating almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts, broccoli, and blue berries helps perk up memory
• Foods rich in omega3 fatty acids such as oils derived from fish and flax seeds is good for the brain
• Avoid excessive intake of junk food as it makes for a sluggish body and a dull brain

5. Social networking:

• A healthy social interaction keeps your brain interested
• A happy and peaceful family life also promotes better functioning of the brain