Total Recall: Sharpen Your Memory

Memory is a man’s real possession…in nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor: Alexander Smith

A good sharp memory is not only useful in all those quizzes at school and college, but it can also take you higher in life. Remembering names and faces of people is very important, especially if you choose to be in a field that involves interacting with a lot of your colleagues, clients or customers. So start early in your life by following these simple guidelines.

Techniques to sharpen your memory

• Make an association: Always make an association by way of tagging the event. Always attach the word with a mental image.
• Use mnemonics: Mnemonics is a technique to elaborate on letters of a word. For example, EARTH becomes Enika and Ron’s Trip to Heaven. You can make up your own any time and it is certain that you will remember it. Make it fun. 
• Use all your senses: Make use of all your faculties to register one aspect or another of the encounter or item. You may take note of the colour, smell or the texture. Use any of these attributes.
• Focus on details: Zero in on unique aspects of the situation. Focus on details and narrow down to those characteristics that are distinctive to it. Tune out of everything else. 
• Think positive: Believing that you can remember will help in remembering. The right attitude is always important. If you believe that you have a bad memory, then psychologists say that you yourself will hinder any active attempt to rectify the problem. So think positive!
• The right hobbies: Solve crossword puzzles or games like Sudoku. These challenge the brain and improve memory. In case you have a non-intellectual job then brain games would be good for you. Again, balance is important. So if you have an intellectual job then relax by painting, listening to music or simply go for a walk in the park.

It is also significant to watch your diet.  Remember, fuel determines performance. So what goes into your body will decide how it performs.

Four simple things your body needs:

• Sip some caffeine: A little bit of caffeine stimulates the brain. Caffeine is good for you if you don’t overdose on it. For mnemonic power, your caffeine intake should come from black or green tea. If you like chocolate then choose dark chocolate which has effective anti-oxidants that are good for your system.
• Sleep: Good sleep stimulates the brain to function better.
• Exercise: Aerobics or even brisk walking pumps more blood to the brain. Exercise supplies more blood to the brain by sending it more nutrients and oxygen.
• Eat the right fats: Certain kinds of fats are essential for your body. Unlike trans fat, Omega 3 fatty acids increase brain power. Fish or fish oil supplements, flaxseeds and flaxseed supplements, canola, soya, pumpkin seeds and walnut oils are good sources.

If you follow these simple steps and incorporate them in your daily routine then you should be able to significantly enhance your memory.