How to Improve Your Memory

By eHow Education Editor

Rate: (28 Ratings)

Scores of books, videos, Web sites and seminars are devoted to memory enhancement. The steps below summarize the main points of most techniques; refer to the Related Sites for more specific and detailed memory tips.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pens
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Step1

Make sure you're alert and attentive before trying to memorize anything.

Step2

Understand the material rather than merely memorizing, if it's the type that requires deeper comprehension.

Step3

Look for larger patterns or ideas, and organize pieces of information into meaningful groups.

Step4

Link the new bits of knowledge with what you already know. Place what you learn into context with the rest of your knowledge, looking for relationships between ideas.

Step5

Engage your visual and auditory senses by using drawings, charts or music to aid memory.

Step6

Use mnemonics ' devices such as formulas or rhymes that serve as memory aids. For example, use the acronym 'HOMES' to memorize the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior).

Step7

Repeat and review what you've learned as many times as you can. Apply it or use it in conversation, as continual practice is the key to remembering things in the long term.

Tips & Warnings

Things that interest you are easier to remember. Try to develop an interest in what you're memorizing.
Your memory and thinking will function much better if you're in good health, well-rested and properly hydrated.
Try writing down or reciting aloud what you've memorized ' this can help etch it into your mind.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 2/12/2007 I've tried so many things. I believe there is only one way to improve your memory - School of Phenomenal Memory. You need to possess a skill to memorize effectively! Knowing something about methods and techniques is not enough!

Anonymous said

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on 7/30/2006 I believe there is only one way to improve your memory - School of Phenomenal Memory. You need to possess a skill! Knowing something about methods and techniques is not enough!

The natural memory has limitations. Our mind can only effectively remember visual information and the sound information that is strictly connected with it. To be able to memorize anything else, it is necessary to undergo specialized training in memorization techniques, much like we were all trained in the skills of reading and writing.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 If you are learning procedures, (actions rather than just facts) visualize yourself doing the steps.

Apparently your brain doesn't always know the difference when you are physically doing something and when you are imagining yourself doing something.

Remember dreams that seem so real you could have sworn that it really happened? Also leave lots of white space on your flashcards.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 I use mnemonics heavily to improve my memory. There are a lot of different types, but I have found that the phonetic mnemonic system is the most versatile, but requires some time to learn.